‘No-smoking’ not mandatory condition for eatery licence renewal, says Penguang

SIBU: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing will not make `no- smoking’ a mandatory condition for eatery licence renewal in the state, according to Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye reportedly mentioned in October this year that apart from the existing smoke-free zones in public places and government buildings, the new ruling under the Health Ministry ( MoH) would encompass all restaurants and eateries, including open- air hawker centres and street stalls.

Penguang, who is the Marudi assemblyman, responded: “We will continue with the status quo ( existing conditions to stay) for licence renewal of eateries.

“There is no clear instruction yet from MoH on such matter.

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has not discussed on this matter ( ban of smoking at all eateries).”

Touching on the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, he said the gazetting of smoke-free zone is under MoH’s jurisdiction and this law is only enforceable by authorised personnel from the Health Department.

“Sarawak government is very supportive of the initiative to ban smoking in public places.

“Currently, there are already 23 public places that have been gazetted as smoke- free zones under these regulations,” he pointed out.

Penguang disclosed that from January until September this year, 2,636 premises were checked for compliance with the regulations.

The inspected premises were health facilities, government offices, airports, educational institutions and premises, he added.

“Sarawak Health Department has issued compounds amounting to RM437,052 so far this year,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Dr Lee had said his ministry has 5,000 environmental health officers ready to enforce the smoking ban at all eateries nationwide when the ruling takes effect on Jan 1 next year. religious