Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein has confirmed that he has paid a fine for vaping in parliament.
"I was compounded for it and paid the fine," he was quoted by The Star as saying when the issue was raised by opposition politician Wong Shu Qi during the Dewan Rakyat's Aug. 10 seating.
"As I had stated, a wrong is a wrong and I had admitted to it and apologised."
According to the Malay Mail, a law passed by the Pakatan Harapan administration meant that those found smoking in prohibited places — such as eateries (or the Dewan Rakyat) — would be subjected to a compound of RM250 (S$81.81).
Those who fail to pay the fine can be charged in court where they are liable for a maximum fine of RM10,000 (S$3,272.28) or two years in jail.
Sneaking a puff in parliament
In a viral video circulated on social media, Hishammuddin was caught sneaking a puff from a vape device under his face mask.
He was vaping while his colleague and transport minister Wee Ka Siong's ministry winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug. 3, reported the Malay Mail.
This was despite the presence of signs in the parliament building stating: "No smoking, no vaping".
Hishammuddin had previously tweeted his intention to pay the fine.
"I have always maintained that no one should be above the rules," he wrote at the time.
Related story
Top images from Amran Fans/Twitter.