COFFEE-SHOP industry players are calling for a relaxation of the smoking ban at eateries introduced by the previous Pakatan Harapan government.

Though several were against the move when it was introduced in January last year, the grace period to foster greater awareness and understanding of the ban’s purpose has seen it being more widely accepted.

However, said operators, the PH administration was rigid about not allowing designated smoking areas at eateries.

Now that Perikatan Nasional, comprising Bersatu, Umno and PAS, and supported by Gabungan Parti Sarawak, is in Putrajaya, the operators are requesting leeway to have such areas on their premises to improve business.

“The ban is good. We are not asking for a U-turn. We just hope the federal government can now approve legal smoking areas (at eateries),” said Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association president Ho Su Mong.

“The ban, which allows smoking only 3m away from an eatery, can cause other problems, too, such as littering.

“If you allow a designated area for smokers, where they can also dispose of cigarette butts, then the place can be kept clean.”

He suggested that the new government learn from Singapore and Japan’s concept of designated smoking areas.

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Chinese Coffee and Tea Shopkeepers’ Association president William Lee also called for flexibility.

Asking smokers to light up outside eateries is inconvenient for them, especially in bad weather, he said, adding that designated smoking areas with proper ventilation should be allowed.

However, Cheng Sim Ai, who heads a Johor Baru association of restaurant, coffee-shop and bar operators, wants the ban reversed.

Business has suffered for the association’s members since the ban was fully enforced at the beginning of the year, he said.

“The industry here has lost about 30% of its customers, resulting in reduced revenues amid higher operating costs. We are hoping for a U-turn on the ban.

“But if the government continues with the ban, we hope it will at least allow us to set up designated smoking areas.”

Ho said he plans to seek a meeting with new Health Minister Dr Adham Baba, a trained doctor who is Umno’s Tenggara MP, to discuss the matter.

PN replaced the PH government elected in May 2018 following plotting by Bersatu, Umno, PAS and former PKR leaders to form the new coalition.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as the country’s eighth prime minister on March 1. On Monday, he announced his cabinet of 31 ministers – not including himself – and 38 deputies. – March 14, 2020.