KUCHING: No smoking zones will be built in areas within DBKU’s jurisdiction yet, said Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan.
He said that further clarification would be needed for DBKU to decide whether it will be in their best interest to build smoking zones in the city especially in premises of food establishments.
“As a local authority, we have to abide by the state goverment’s decision and whatever the decision is, we (DBKU) will go with it,” added Junaidi in interview with New Sarawak Tribune at his office in DBKU, yesterday.
He said, “I will also check on the state government’s policy to ensure consistency in decision-making process and in unison with the vision of related ministries”.
Junaidi also explained that further clarification is needed on the true meaning of having a designated area for smoking.
“Does this mean having a dedicated area inside or outside the food premises?
“We have to know the details of it to avoid public confusion. The people may misunderstand the purpose of having a designated smoking zone where they would think they are not allowed to smoke anywhere else but at that area,” he said.
At the moment, DBKU would need a better understanding of the concept before any implementation process could begin.
“We are eagerly waiting for a guideline to be provided by the ministries because, to be effective, we must know exactly what we want, and what is needed,” he added.
