MIRI: The no-smoking ban has been officially enforced in Sarawak effective today (March 1).
For Sarawak Indian Association vice-president Karambir Singh, he described the enforcement as a good initiative by the Sarawak government.
“I hope there is proper enforcement in place to ensure compliance. Otherwise, it will be just be ignored,” he opined.
Apart from being beneficial to the people’s health, he also hoped to see less cigarette butts littered around eateries.
“My friends who smoke said they understood the reasons for these laws and will do their best to abide by them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Miri mayor Adam Yii said that Miri City Council (MCC) will assist and cooperate with the health department in enforcing the ban.
“The anti-smoking campaign has started with a grace period of six months to educate smokers and help them get used to the ban.
“Smoking is harmful not only to smokers, but to other people around them too,” he said.
He added that MCC will be acting under the Local Government and Housing Ministry.
Civil servant Ezra Uda mirrored the same sentiment and said the ban is a comprehensive approach by the state government.
“The enforcement is a long-term solution by the government to educate our community to lead a healthier lifestyle,” he said.
Yesterday, Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong together with officers from the Miri Resident’s Office and MCC put up no-smoking signage around eateries in Marina Bay as a symbolic launching of the ban.
