Videos of Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein vaping in the Dewan Rakyat (Malaysian parliament) on Aug. 3 have gone viral online.

The minister has since apologised for his action in an Aug. 6 tweet.

Authorities urged to take action against Hishammuddin

Hours after his apology, the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged authorities to take action against Hishammuddin, reported New Straits Times (NST).

CAP's anti-tobacco activist band and education officer, N.V. Subbarow, said that it was shocking and shameful for Malaysians to witness a senior minister vaping in the Dewan Rakyat.

Smoking is strictly prohibited at the Dewan Rakyat and the rule was tightened during Pakatan Harapan (PH)'s former administration.

Former Malaysian health minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad, declared the Malaysian parliament a non-smoking area in October 2018.

Anyone found breaking the law can be issued a compound of a maximum of RM500 (S$164), and be fined up to RM10,000 (S$3,271) or face imprisonment of up to two months, or both.

Subbarow said, according to NST:

"In this case, Hishammuddin should be charged with violating the law. He cannot simply say sorry. He is a minister and a lawmaker. He should be a role model to others.

He cannot escape from the hands of law. He should be fined or compounded. There should be no compromise.

We urge the authorities to take action against him for violating the law in the august house."

He will pay the fine

In response to Subbarow, Hishammuddin tweeted that the Malaysian health ministry has compounded him and he will pay the fine.

He also said that his action was a mistake and that "no one should be above the rules".

Here's his tweet:

Yes, it was a mistake and I admitted it. I have always maintained that no one should be above the rules. @KKMPutrajaya has compounded me, and I will pay the fine. https://t.co/W2KZ5FMF3f

— Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) August 6, 2020

Top image collage from Amran Fans/Twitter & Hishammuddin Hussein/Twitter.