Madang Urban authority clarifies betelnut chewing and smoking ban

The Madang Urban Local Level Government [MULLG] has, for the first time, clarified the recently imposed ban on betelnut chewing and smoking within Madang Town’s central business area.

The restriction, which took effect on January 1, 2026, prohibits the chewing of betelnut and smoking in public areas but does not ban the sale of betelnut or cigarettes.

Following public debate and confusion surrounding the ban, Acting Town Manager Titus Futrepa explained that the restriction is aimed at improving cleanliness and public health in the town.

Futrepa said the measure targets the excessive littering and staining caused by betelnut chewers and smokers who dispose of spittle, husks and cigarette butts indiscriminately, leaving walls, pavements and streets heavily stained.

“The ban does not stop the sale of betelnut. People can still buy and sell betelnut at informal markets and take them home to chew,” Futrepa said.

He said MULLG has been conducting monthly cleanathon programmes for the past eight months in partnership with the Police Prosecution Unit, business houses and individual volunteers.

Futrepa said a public circular was issued in October last year, informing residents that betelnut chewing, spitting and smoking would not be allowed in Madang Town from January 1, 2026.

“The aim is to regulate betelnut stains, rubbish and husks which continuously make the town look untidy,” he said.

The Betelnut and Smoking provisions were enacted under the Summary Offences Act in 2018.

Futrepa added that betelnut spittle is not only an eyesore but also poses health risks, including the potential spread of airborne diseases such as tuberculosis [TB].

He said TB remains the leading cause of hospital admissions and deaths among adults in the province.

“Most chewers and smokers have shown careless attitudes and do not respect the rights of others to a clean environment. Their spittle and cigarette butts are found everywhere,” Futrepa said.

He said previous attempts to regulate betelnut chewing in the town had failed due to non-compliance, prompting MULLG to now work closely with police, particularly the prosecution unit, to process cases through the courts when necessary.

MULLG’s preparations for the ban began eight months ago through continuous cleanathon and public awareness programmes, widely publicised on mainstream and social media.

The initiative has been coordinated by Eugene Wanai, with strong support from business houses and town residents.

Meanwhile, Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim earlier stated that MULLG is responsible for enforcing the ban, with police assisting to ensure public compliance.

Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa also clarified that the restriction is not merely a municipal regulation but a law enacted by Parliament, carrying the same legal weight as other national laws.

The Governor said he was encouraged by the visible improvements taking place in Madang Town through the cleanathon programme and the enforcement of the ban.