Madang police say the betelnut and smoking ban is a nationwide law

Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, has clarified that the ban on betel nut chewing and smoking in Central Business Districts [CBDs] is a nationwide law that applies to all provincial capitals in Papua New Guinea, not just Madang.

Superintendent Baim made the clarification while commenting on the ban that came into effect on January 1, 2026.

“The ban on betel nut chewing and smoking is not confined to Madang town only. It applies to all provincial capitals around the country. It is a law enacted by Parliament, and it empowers police to arrest people who chew betel nut or smoke in the central business districts,” he said.

Superintendent Baim explained that he was on recreational leave when the ban was introduced and has only now commented after resuming duty this week.

He said he fully supports the law but stressed that more public awareness must be carried out by the Madang Urban Local Level Government (MULLG) before police begin enforcing it.

He also said the MULLG must identify and gazette specific areas in town where people can chew betel nut and smoke.

“Although I support the ban, I have advised police officers not to start making arrests immediately because there are some things the Madang Urban LLG needs to put in place first before full enforcement,” Superintendent Baim said.

He again stressed that the law applies across the country.

“If you go to towns like Mount Hagen, Wewak or Lae, this law also applies. Every province must enforce this law in their provincial capital,” he said.

Superintendent Baim urged the public to respect the law and called on police officers to lead by example.

“The law is also good for your health because excessive betel nut chewing can lead to cancer. I myself have stopped chewing betel nut to lead by example as the Provincial Police Commander,” he said.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Baim said he and his officers will take part in Madang’s second cleanathon for the year, scheduled for the end of February.

He added that schools will also be invited to participate in the clean-up exercise.