Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin yesterday announced that business operators would be allowed to set up smoking areas next to eateries for smokers.She said the country’s 155 local councils would be allowed to build smoking zones in some public places, especially in food courts, within their jurisdiction.
“For restaurant owners, we will issue guidelines from the ministry. Business operators will have to seek permission from local councils to build small smoking zones.”She said smoking zones could be built as a joint effort if there was more than one restaurant in a building, with the cost borne by the business operators.
The Health Ministry gazetted all food and beverage outlets as smoke-free areas from Jan 1 last year, with an educational enforcement period in place for 12 months. Smokers can only light up at least 3m away from food and beverage establishments. The smoking ban has raised questions on whether smokers who light up at tables set up illegally outside restaurants would also face punishment.
Ermmmmm..... not a good move madam
Not a good move by Minister Zuraida ! 🙄 saynotosmoking
Defeats the whole purpose of eradicating Smoking habits and its Health Hazards, Seriously its a STUPID suggestion from the Minister.👎