Here is a reminder to the smoking ban at eateries which will be officially implemented in 3 days’ time. Like many other laws, it has garnered mixed reactions and divided opinions from the public. Since its announcement back in October, many were sceptical and doubtful on the substance of this. Was the law really going to be implemented? Or was it just all talk and no action?

We now have our answer as Deputy Health Minister Lee Boon Chye said the health ministry will not compromise when it comes to the health of non-smokers. However, the rights of smokers were still being respected. This law bans all forms of smoking within 3 metres of any eateries.

“Customers caught smoking in eateries can be fined a maximum of RM10,000 or jailed up to two years, while restaurant operators who fail to put up no-smoking signs face a fine not exceeding RM3,000 or jail time of up to six months. Restaurant owners can also be fined RM5,000 or six months jail if they allow smoking on their premises.”

Dr Lee said that this ban was implemented due several reasons. Firstly, smoking not only harms the smoker, but also the people around them. The number of teen smokers has also been increasing over the years. This law is also a right move in the direction of the agreement signed by Malaysia with the World Health Organisation on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control with the target that the country would become a smoke-free nation by 2045.

Further details can be read here.

The Malaysian Health Ministry has our very own smoking cessation programme. Anyone who is interested can read more about it here.