Mamak operators appeal for smoking zones

Christopher Rabin Christopher Rabin Updated 7 years ago · Published on 20 Oct 2018 4:44PM · 5 Comments

Non-smokers say it is high time they were allowed to eat mamak food without having to tolerate secondhand smoke. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 20, 2018.

MAMAK outlets should be allowed to create a smoking area on their premises once the government’s ban on smoking at all eateries is implemented from January 1, a restaurant operators’ association said.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Ayoob Khan Muhamad Yakub said he hoped the government would accommodate this request as operators feared their businesses will be negatively affected without it.

“We think it is a good move (to have the ban), but we ask that the government allow us to set aside a smoking zone for smokers,” Ayoob told The Malaysian Insight.

“We can warn smokers about the ‘no smoking’ signs once the ban is implemented, but that is the limit (to what we can do) as they are our patrons.”

Patrons of mamak outlets, meanwhile, were split over the ban, which was announced by the Health Ministry on October 12 and will cover all eateries, including coffee shops and hawker centres.

“Most mamaks already have designated smoking and non-smoking areas. So, we really disagree with the ban as customers will to flock to places that allow them to smoke after a meal,” said one patron, Babhlan Aland.

“They (the government) tried to ban smoking in cars; they banned smoking at highway R&Rs and now they want to ban it at mamaks. Where are we to smoke then?” the 37-year-old said.

Others felt the ban would deter people from frequenting mamak outlets with their friends.

“I think it will affect the mamak business and we will have to find alternatives because many smokers who go to the mamak to have tea sessions with their friends also smoke there,” retiree Cheng Chuen Tong said at a mamak in Bangsar.

Non-smokers, however, welcomed the move, saying they preferred a healthier environment without second-hand smoke.

“Health is wealth,” said 55-year-old Martin Sebastian on the ban.

“I think banning anything harmful from the community will have its benefits, and is great for our kids,” he added.

“I think the number of smokers at mamaks are just a handful of people. If they really want to smoke, they can go outside,” the former Navy man said.

Jia Miin, a 24-year-old marketing executive, also welcomed the ban, saying it was long awaited.

“Cigarette smoke is very intrusive, especially to us non-smokers. I wish we all could eat mamak food without having to inhale secondhand smoke.” – October 20, 2018.

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Comments

  • Smoking should not be in any eating place...if they want to smoke just go far away in the jungle

    Posted 7 years ago by Will Be Humble · Reply

  • American Dr. Joseph Mercola, a foremost practitioner of natural health for 2O years who has his own website, recommends that we stay away from smokers and their 2nd-hand smoke which can cause cancer when inhaled..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • You can also sign up for Dr. Mercola's free email on health matters!..

      Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • ALSO IT IS EASIER & MORE EFFECTIVE TO HAVE A BLANKET BAN ON SMOKING AT ALL FOOD & DRINKS OUTLETS, OTHERWISE ENFORCEMENT CAN BE A PROBLEM & POSSIBLY LEAD TO FIGHTS & QUARRELS?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • What is the position in developed countries?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply