KUALA LUMPUR – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has called on the public to play their part in adhering to the smoking ban at eateries, saying that enforcement efforts can only do so much if smokers persist in flouting the law.
Speaking to the press after attending an event in Negri Sembilan today, he said he has ordered the ministry’s enforcement officers to increase checks at eateries, but is irked by the stubbornness of those who continue to smoke at such premises.
“There are many food premises in Malaysia, and our manpower of officers is not unlimited. The ministry can reach out to other agencies for help, but the problem is more on a community level.
“In other countries, citizens will obey the law, but I don’t know why Malaysians are refusing to cooperate.
“Of course we can continue to send out officers, and I have also given orders to tighten enforcement, but for how long will we have to do so?”
Khairy added that while he does not plan to stop clamping down on smokers at eateries, the public must understand that such efforts will have minimal impact if community compliance is not achieved.
“Are we such an uncivilised nation that the government must send out officers to ensure compliance with the law?
“Are you that uncivilised that when you see a sign prohibiting smoking, you still want to smoke? Do we want to be known as a nation that will only stop smoking once a fine is handed out?”
The smoking ban at eateries was introduced by former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) time in federal power.
Under Dzulkefly’s watch, the PH administration then had gazetted all eateries, including open-air establishments, as smoke-free zones from January 2019.
The ban came into force in January the following year.
Previously, Khairy had said he intends to table a new Tobacco and Smoking Control Act in Parliament to regulate electronic cigarettes and vape products alongside a “Generation End-Game” target against smoking in the long run. – The Vibes, February 12, 2022
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