CAP: Ministry proposal not a step backwards

GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry’s proposal to provide designated smoking areas outside dining premises, especially for those located in tight places, is not a backward step, said the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP).

The move, said CAP anti-smoking activist and education officer N.N. Subbarow, was to protect non-smokers, who are the majority in Malaysia, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children and those at risk from smoke or vapour from smoking products, including electronic cigarettes or vaping.

“CAP wants to emphasise that the provision of this designated smoking area must be in line with Article 8 of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, which is ‘Protecting nonsmokers from the dangers of cigarette smoke or other smoking products’.

“CAP also wants to remind people that the smoking ban under Regulation 11(1) of the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2004 applies only to smokers, who are a minority in Malaysia which is 21.3 per cent.

“They are free to smoke anywhere other than the 23 places gazetted under the regulations,” said Subbarow.

It was reported that the ministry would consider providing designated smoking areas outside dining premises, especially for those located in tight spaces.

Yesterday, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry was willing to listen to the views of all regarding the proposed designated smoking zones, including at eateries.

He said this was to enable the government to come up with the best solution for everyone before it was taken to the cabinet.

Subbarow said the Clean, Smoke-Free Premises Walkabout Programme (BeBAs) was an effort by the ministry to reach out to the people through engagement and community empowerment together with food premises owners in Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang.

This effort, he said, should be the main focus to ensure that the level of safety and quality of food in dining establishments was in good condition and smoke-free.

“This is also proof that the ministry listens to the complaints of the community, including visitors to food premises, traders and community leaders.”

BeBAs educates the community about the ban on smoking in eating places and also the proposal to provide a special area for smoking, which exists in Jalan Kampong Kolam, George Town.

With community empowerment and sustainable enforcement, this area for smokers will not be filled by minors and, at the same time, cultivate the practice of not smoking in the community.

“Community support and togetherness are necessary to create more comfortable, beautiful and clean food premises, as well as to create a smoke-free country by 2040.

“Smokers also need to be helped to quit smoking through treatment in clinics or by visiting www.jomquit.com.”

This is also proof that the ministry listens to the complaints of the community... N.N. SUBBAROW Consumers’ Association of Penang anti-smoking education officer