State Cabinet to decide on smoking ban, says Christina

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will decide whether to follow the Federal Government’s decision to ban smoking at all eateries in the state cabinet meeting, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

Liew, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, said decision on policy matters must be discussed in cabinet meetings

“We do not necessarily have to follow everything the Federal Government imposed.

“But still, the cabinet will have a meeting on this matter,” she said when asked to comment on the issue when attending Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (KKCCCI) installation night on Tuesday.

Personally, Liew said she supported the anti-smoking ban as it could encourage smokers to kick the bad habit, adding that the move would also benefit the public’s health.

Nonetheless, she agreed that there was currently no designated smoking area provided. “I am not a smoker. “But if it bothers the smokers, we will have to look into this matter.”

Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Jaujan Sambakong had earlier said that the State cabinet would need to discuss the matter at length before deciding whether to impose the ban.

The Sarawak state government has postponed the nationwide smoking ban at all eateries, which takes effect on January 1, pending a decision by the state Cabinet.

Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said although the state government is aligned with the federal government’s position on the anti-smoking law, it has its own local government ordinances on smoking.

On December 31, Health Department director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah issued a statement reminding members of the public not to smoke in food premises, whether air-conditioned or not.

The places covered by the ban includes the inside and outside areas of the food premises, restaurants and food courts, as well as all food stalls and vehicles that provide tables and chairs for customers, and restaurants on ships and trains.

Noor Hisham said anyone found smoking in the prohibited places could be fined up to RM10,000 or imprisoned up to two years under Regulation 11 of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004.