KUCHING: Many members of the public here have proposed that more designated smoking zones be set up in the city.
Some local malls, they pointed out, had already set up such areas for smokers after the smoking ban at all eateries in Sarawak
Yasmine, a hotel customer service officer, said designated smoking zones should be set up at eateries and malls.
“Exclusive for smokers only, it will be places for them to release their craving,” she added.
Shafiq Kamil, an e-cigarette entrepreneur, agreed with Yasmine’s proposal.
“Yes! The ruling (ban on smoking) should be enforced but if there’s such place to release some smoke, why not?” he said.
“There should be a place to smoke, especially in a mall. It’s really a hassle for smoker to be restricted to smoke under 3-metre rule,” he said.
“The smoking ban will not stop smokers but if a designated smoking zone is provided, there’s no harm in it.”
Haziq Azhar, a writer, said a smoking zone should be emphasised first prior to the smoking ban.
“I am a smoker but I’ve always made it a habit not to smoke around the public,” he explained.
“Just because some smokers disregard public health on the matter, it doesn’t mean all smokers are ignorant.”
Nur Zeerah said it was good to have designated smoking areas for smokers.
“If it’s inconvenient for them to smoke, then they will think twice before going to a non-smoking area or mall,” she said.
