KUCHING, Feb 19: Sarawak welcomes the proposal by the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) to introduce designated smoking areas in food premises, particularly those in tight spaces.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, said that the move is nothing new as it builds upon the existing smoking ban that was introduced on 1st January 2019.
“This legislation predates COVID-19. Previously, coffee shops had designated smoking areas. However, after the pandemic, old habits resurfaced.
“Now, we just want to re-implement what was enforced before,” he told this to reporters during a press conference at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Gynecological and Cytopathological Practice here, today.
Previously, Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, said that this ministry is considering the proposal due to the difficulty in complying with the current three-meter distance rule for smoking in cramped premises.
Dr. Dzulkefly emphasised that this step is not a step backward but rather to ensure that the ban on smoking within three meters of food premises continues to be enforced. – TVS
