Ministry mulls banning smoking at more public places

Christopher Rabin Christopher Rabin Updated 7 years ago · Published on 1 Jan 2019 3:04PM · 4 Comments

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad says the focus now is on educating the public on the smoking ban , as the ministry wants people to take ownership of their health. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, January 1, 2019.

MORE public places, such as laundromats, may be made no-smoking areas, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, as the government’s cigarette ban at all restaurants nationwide kicks off today.

Speaking after conducting checks at eateries in Cheras, Dzulkefly said his ministry was observing new public spaces enforce the non-smoking rule, with laundromats looking likely to be the next on the list.

“In laundromats, there are smokers who pass the smoke to kids in the vicinity.

“We will look into implementing smoking bans in such places,” he said.

While the ban in restaurants comes into force today, the Health Ministry will give restaurant operators six months to phase out smoking at their premises before action is taken against them.

“Our enforcement is in the form of education, we explain first, so there aren’t those who are left behind and they all understand why we implement these rules.

“We are not here to punish, we want Malaysians to take ownership of health. Whether it’s premise owners or the Malaysian citizens themselves.

“It’s not about enforcing, it is about them realising that this is important for a healthy Malaysia.”

He said the ministry will not entertain any excuses after the six months are up.

“We will be strict and enforce the law,” he said.

Smokers found foul of the rule can be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, January 1, 2019.

Dzulkefly said more than 5,000 enforcement officers will be deployed to issue compound notices to restaurant owners and smokers in prohibited areas.

Smokers found foul of the rule can be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail.

Shop owners who fail to display no smoking signs can be fined RM3,000 or sentenced to six months’ jail.

Shop owners who fail to compel their patrons to stop smoking on their premises can also be fined up to RM5,000 or jailed up to one year.

Dzulkefly said the ministry was ready to face the judicial review filed against the smoking ban.

“Having gone through the judicial review, we’re ready to face tackle this issue legally. Let’s see who is going to ensure the cleanliness of our air and look after the elderly who can’t defend themselves when in public places.” – January 1, 2019.

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Comments

  • THE NO SMOKING BAN REALLY PROTECTS ALL THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE TO DEADLY CANCER-CAUSING CIGARETTE SMOKE...

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • I once had occasion to advise a father who was smoking near his child in a pram, not to do so as it was not healthy for the baby to inhale the smoke...

      Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • Being a responsible father he took my advice with a smile (as if grateful for the reminder) and moved further away from his child next to the seated mother. This was at a bus stop, so there must also be a ban on smoking near where people sit waiting for the bus (like in developed countries?)...

      Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • So as not to discriminate against smokers have designated smoking areas. It is their choice whether they chose to die or prolong their life. No one can dictate how long you live or die except GOD. So do not play God. Unless ban all forms of tobacco. Period.

    Posted 7 years ago by Justin Leno · Reply