The suggestion to create designated smoking areas, especially for eateries with limited space, has not been finalized, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He stated that the Health Ministry is open to receiving input from the public and is considering views gathered during an engagement session with premises owners and traders.
Dr Dzulkefly said that the viewpoint on designated smoking areas was formed after an engagement session with over 30 premises owners and traders. He added that if there is a request for these areas, they will consider and assess their practicality and feasibility, and will be open to listening and not being too rigid in their approach.
The Health Minister mentioned that non-smokers, including children, pregnant mothers, and senior citizens, feel uncomfortable when exposed to cigarette smoke from nearby smokers at small and open food premises. He emphasized the need for adequate space to enforce the three-metre distance rule, using the example of Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang, where he observed that it is almost impossible to enforce this rule.
Dr Dzulkefly expressed the Ministry’s willingness to consider proposed smoking areas in space-constraint situations, but with stringent conditions.
Previously, it had been reported that the ministry would explore providing designated smoking areas for dining premises in tight spaces, similar to practices in developed countries like Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong. This consideration stemmed from the difficulty for these eateries to adhere to the current three-metre distance rule.
Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad made these comments after officiating the 28th Session Codex Committee on Fats and Oils meeting on Monday (Feb 19) in Kuala Lumpur.
