MIRI: Indiscriminate disposal of cigarette butt is the reason for Wong King Ming, 45, a food shop owner to welcome the Health Ministry’s decision to enforce smoking ban at all restaurants and food premises from January 1 next year.
He added that when smokers discard their cigarette ashes on the floor, it would affect diners when the wind blows.
“For me, the decision to ban smoking in all food premises is very good because most of my customers smoke without hesitation.
“To make things worse, they dump the cigarette butts on the floor. They are unsightly and can cause discomfort to other customers,” he said.
Meanwhile, 45-year-old smoker Mustafa Kassim said that he welcomed the enforcement of smoking ban at all food premises.
He added that the ban would not only benefit non-smokers but also served as a reminder to himself.
“I understand that smoking is not only harmful to the health but also a wastage.
“When I found out that smoking will be banned at all food premises, for me it’s a good suggestion.
“I would smoke at least five to seven sticks of cigarettes. So this ban will serve as a reminder to myself to cut down on this unhealthy practice,” he said.
Mustafa added that he would spend RM500 every month to buy cigarettes.
“So with this kind of regulation, I may have a reason to quit smoking,” he said.
Early September this year, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye announced that starting January 1, 2019, smoking will be banned at all closed, air-conditioned restaurants or open-concept restaurants. With the ban, smokers detained in the prohibited area will be fined RM10,000 and food operators who do not comply with the ban can be fined RM2,500.
