WANT TO OPEN A RESTAURANT OR CAFE FOR SMOKERS?
Health Ministry will consider applications for such premises
THE Health Ministry will consider applications by eatery operators who want to open restaurants or cafes specially for smokers.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said while there had yet to be any discussion on the matter, the ministry would consider such applications by business operators. This was following the recent announcement on a smoking ban on eateries from January.
“The ban does not cover certain areas, including nightclubs and pubs. We will look at this matter on a case-by-case basis. We might consider this (opening of smokers’ cafes),” he said after launching an anti-dengue gotong-royong at Padang Medan Pengkalan Mutiara here yesterday.
Dr Lee said the ministry would hold a meeting with eatery operators and owners on a proposed designated smoking zone in restaurants soon.
“We hope that restaurant owners understand the reason behind the smoking ban. We do not encourage the move to provide such space (smoking area on premises).
“It is equally important to protect the rights of others for a smoke-free environment.
“When we made the decision on a smoking ban, we weighed in (input) from both parties (smokers and non-smokers, because smoking is bad for health.”
He said the ministry had solid proof on the recent laksa poisoning cases in Kedah to back its statements.
“We have evidence that the cause of food poisoning originated from the laksa stall in question and can take action in accordance with the law.
“We do not intend to penalise all laksa sellers. We will only take action against those involved.
“Investigation was carried out on the (laksa) supply network, as we are responsible for identifying the cause to contain the spread of the food poisoning.”
In Alor Star, Dr Lee said the ministry would take a more systematic step to deal with the lack of doctors in rural areas.
He said there were only 5,098 specialist government doctors, with the majority of them in cities.
“The problem cannot be solved immediately. We need a plan that is more systematic to increase the number (of doctors), their specialties and send them to work in rural areas.
“We also want to bring down the number of foreign doctors working with the Health Ministry, even though the numbers are not that high. There are 10 of them.”
He said among the steps being taken by the government to overcome the problem was to allow 1,000 doctors to continue their education at the degree level in appropriate fields at local universities annually.
However, the ministry encourages private doctors to volunteer in rural areas.