The National Environment Agency of Singapore announced on Friday that the smoking ban will be expanded further to cover more public places.

Starting from Jan. 15, smokers will not be able to smoke at the common areas of all residential buildings, covered linkways and walkways, overhead pedestrian bridges, outdoor compounds of hospitals, or within five meters from bus shelters.

The expansion of the ban is aimed to better protect the public from second-hand smoke, the agency said.

It will also allow the members of the public some time to get used to the changes. Those caught smoking in the new areas in the first three months will be let off with a warning.

However, those who keep flouting the law even though they had been warned can be fined up to 1,000 Singapore dollars (813 U.S. dollars).

The National Environment Agency has been working with stake holders to put up signs at places such as staircase landings and lift lobbies. Educational posters will be put up at bus stops.

Bins with ashtrays will be shifted or replaced with bins without ashtrays, and will be moved five meters away. Endi

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