Health Minister: People’s health comes first

IPOH: The smoking ban at all openair eateries will be implemented in January, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The Health Minister said that despite it being an unpopular move among a fraction of the society, the health of the people should be the priority.

“I know that I have become unpopular after making the announcement, but for me, what is more important is the wellbeing of the people.

“I have ‘friends’ calling me up to say that I will not get their votes as it is Parti Amanah Negara’s polls next year.

“But I am not worried about losing votes as long as the health of the people is not compromised,” he said in his winding-up speech at the party’s convention here yesterday.

Ever since the announcement was made, smokers and eatery owners have been objecting the move.

Recently, more than 20,000 eatery owners under the umbrella of three associations opposed the ban in their premises.

The three associations are Malaysia-Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors General Association (MSCSPGA), Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association and Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association.

MSCSPGA president Datuk Ho Su Mong said the ban at al fresco restaurants was unrealistic with little effort being made by the authorities to get smokers to kick the habit.