Both smokers and non-smokers have to respect each other and we hope by providing smoking zones around the city, it would help to achieve that.
– Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching City
KUCHING: The possibility of having smoking zones around Kuching area are being looked into by Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
The facilities intend to combat smokers around restaurant areas where non-smokers could be affected by second-hand smoke.
Its mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the initiative to provide comfort for both smokers and non-smokers is still in early stages of planning.
“Both smokers and non-smokers have to respect each other and we hope by providing smoking zones around the city, it would help to achieve that,” said Wee yesterday during a press conference at his office.
He explained that it is only fair to provide the facilities as it is quite a difficult task to ask smokers to quit.
“As for non-smokers, they have the right to fresh air as well.”
Wee revealed that MBKS officers are scouting areas around the city and plan to build the smoking zones nearby restaurant concentrated areas.
“MBKS will try to provide all of the funding required to build around 20 to 30 smoking zones around Kuching area,” he added.
Wee also said the smoking zone areas would be built creatively to look more pleasing in the public eye.
In regards to law enforcement for smokers in restaurant areas, Wee stated the authority belongs to the Ministry of Health.
