Despite warnings, smokers puff away during Umno meet at World Trade Centre

KUALA LUMPUR – Prominent signs and stern warnings appear to have gone unheeded by a number of smokers at the Umno general assembly today.

Observations by The Vibes at the World Trade Centre here saw a number of individuals, some donning Barisan Nasional attire, puffing away at a dining area near the building’s foyer despite signage stating otherwise.

This comes as Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin attempts to take a hardline stance against smoking. 

Despite clear signage prohibiting the act, a number of individuals - some donning Barisan Nasional attire - were seen puffing away at a dining area of the Putra World Trade Centre today. pic.twitter.com/PTYQDlNToe

— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) March 19, 2022

Last month, he announced plans to introduce a law that would ban those born after 2005 from smoking or purchasing tobacco products completely.

Dubbed a “generational endgame”, Khairy said the law would reduce future generations’ exposure to cigarettes and tobacco products, as they are the leading causes of cancer.

While the decision received a warm welcome by health advocates, the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry called the move a “knee-jerk reaction”, saying it would backfire and lead to the creation of an uncontrollable black market. – The Vibes, March 19, 2022