Activist supports smoking ban

TAWAU: Social activist Jhasarry Kang said he fully supported the smoking ban in public and open air areas.

He said the ban would benefit non-smokers from being exposed to cigarette smoke in the public and open air areas.

“Firstly, it is especially so when it comes to kids and children who are still young, Cigarette smoke can cause cancer to both smokers and non-smokers because of the chemical in the cigarette. cigarette smoke is bad for health and harmful to the body. It causes health diseases and death,” he said.

Secondly, he said the smoking ban was a good initiative by the government to create a healthy culture and lifestyle among the people.

Thirdly, if people smoked lesser cigarettes, then it will be certainly lesser health diseases and death. The government can spend less for health care and more on other areas for the country's development to benefit the people.

Jhasarry said smokers who came to public areas like coffee shops or public areas were a nuisance, causing discomfort to others nearby, without considering those who were not smokers.

“It is certainly at the expense of others. It would be worse if several people smoke at the same time, affecting the nonsmokers (who are) enjoying their lunch or breakfast,” he said.

Meanwhile, another commenter Malvin Reyes said banning smoking in all air-conditioned rooms was acceptable. However in an open space, it should be allowed.