Smoking ban stays, says Dzulkefly

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 14 Nov 2018 10:55PM · 5 Comments

On Monday, three associations representing more than 20,000 eatery owners held press conferences to voice their opposition to the smoking ban that will be enforced in January next year. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, November 14, 2018.

THE government will not compromise on the smoking ban at all eateries, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said Putrajaya stands firm by its decision, despite restaurant operators and owners’ protests against the move, which will come into effect on January 1 next year.

“While I fully understand where they are coming from, it’s clear that our stand prioritises the public. We are not ready to compromise on this matter.

“Smokers will have to find other places, where they can smoke as much as they want. That is none of our business. Our business is to ensure that public eateries are safe, especially for children, the elderly and pregnant women, who might otherwise be exposed to second-hand smoke,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

On Monday, three associations representing more than 20,000 eatery owners held press conferences to voice their opposition to the ban.

On another matter, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry is willing to consider using ketum leaves for medical purposes, including treating drug addiction, where it would replace methadone.

However, he said, research must be carried out first. – Bernama, November 14, 2018.

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Comments

  • That's the way. It's great to know we have leaders who stick to their stand and won't waver in the face of silly opposition.

    Posted 5 years ago by Arvind U Gopi Kumar · Reply

  • Fully support.

    Posted 5 years ago by Adrian Kok · Reply

  • Fully support the smoking ban in restaurants..

    Posted 5 years ago by TTs Take · Reply

  • The more the restoran protest, increase the fine and penalty

    Posted 5 years ago by Arshad Lazim · Reply

  • Smokers who smoke in public are being inconsiderate to those who do not smoke as we cannot avoid inhaling yhe seonc hand smoke. They should only be allowed to smoke if they can ensure that the smoke the exhale will only hang around them or will be re-inhaled by them

    Posted 5 years ago by Michael Raj · Reply