KUALA LUMPUR – It is better to just ban smoking at restaurants and eateries, instead of having special designated areas for smokers, said Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma).
President Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan, who labelled the proposal as a U-turn, said the restaurant operators prefer a ban as it would be better to maintain cleanliness at the premises.
“I don’t understand why this will be considered. Previously, the distance for smokers was 3m (away from the premises). Now, (a designated area is being proposed) for narrow food premises.
“Better to not allow smoking at all. Restaurant owners are also comfortable with a clean environment. The authorities need to be consistent, not to ‘flip-flop’,” he said in a statement today.
“The Health Ministry should focus on bigger issues.”
He suggested that the government should look into the fines imposed on premises owners who fail to prevent customers from smoking because it is misleading.
“Restaurant owners have no authority to stop smokers, they can only advise. But if they refuse to smoke elsewhere, we are fined. This is a problem.”
Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad today said his ministry is considering the introduction of special designated areas for smokers in narrow food premises – similar to what is implemented in Singapore and Japan.
He added that this was not a step backwards but a measure to maintain a conducive environment for all. – February 18, 2024