Observe smoking ban, Johor eateries told

JOHOR BARU: The operating licences of eateries will not be renewed if the owners do not adhere to the no-smoking ruling starting Jan 1, warns a state exco member.

Local Government, Science and Technology Committee chairman Tan Hong Pin said local councils could reject the licence applications if operators do not follow the new ruling.

“However, the Health Ministry has yet to give us the proper guidelines for local councils when it comes to the smoking ban.

“We are prepared at the state government level to take action, including reviewing the licences of the premises,” he said after participating in a fun bicycle ride programme held near Sutera Mall here yesterday.

When contacted, Johor Health Department director Dr Salehudden Abd Aziz said it would focus more on educating the public, smokers and business owners on the new ruling.

“Restaurant owners should put up no-smoking signs or posters at their premises first.

“If they don’t, they will face a RM250 compound.

“We want the public to know that the government is treating the matter seriously.

“But we will give them time to adjust to the enforcement,” Salehudden said.

He said the department would continue to provide information on the ban to relevant stakeholders such as business owners and local councils.

We are prepared at the state government level to take action, including reviewing the licences of the premises. Tan Hong Pin