Govt must respect rights of smokers, too, say critics

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s move to gradually ban smoking in public places has been lauded by most, but hardcore smokers said that some kind of arrangement should be made for those who want to light up.

Critics said while it was good that efforts were being made to discourage the smoking habit, one cannot just take away the rights of smokers too.

Most of those interviewed agreed with the move but they also called on the authorities to provide space for those who wanted to smoke.

An entrepreneur, Rahim Yusof, said he supported the initiative but questioned how the government planned to enforce it.

The 34-year-old, who has been smoking for over 15 years, said there should be designated areas for smokers and more campaigns conducted before it became law.

Another regular smoker, who only wished to be known as Sandy F, said she often took smoke breaks within her office compound and any law prohibiting smoking in public places would be a major inconvenience.

However, the 26-year-old graphic designer said it was unlikely that smokers would give up just because the authorities inconvenienced them.

“Maybe the government should look at other countries like Japan to address this issue.

“Japan has designated smoking areas and this is a win-win solution for smokers and nonsmokers,” she said.

Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Azih Muda said any planned smoking ban should consider all parties involved.

He said as it is, many eateries were affected by the 3-m ruling introduced to deter smokers lighting up near eateries.

Malaysian Trades Union Congress secretary-general J. Solomon said employers need to assist their staff to quit smoking as more and more countries decide to go smoke free.

“It is an individual right to smoke, so we cannot just take it away. However, at the same time we must also ensure non-smokers are not affected by secondhand smoke...therefore, I feel education on the negative effects of smoking is the best option.”