THE move by the government to turn all eateries nationwide into smoke - free zones beginning early next year will not work unless there are continuous awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement.
Restaurant operators believed that it would be a daunting task for the government to change the attitude of smokers since dining out and smoking cigarettes had become a “culture” of sorts among certain segments of the local community.
“Smoking in between having a glass of ‘teh tarik’ has been a culture for many ye ars,” said Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association president , Muthusamy Thirumeni.
However, operators generally have no qualms about the impending mandatory ban on cigarettes and other tobacco products at all eateries, he said.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association president, Ayoob Khan Muhamad Yakub, said it is imperative for the Health ministry to educate restaurant goers from smoking in the premises.
Both Ayoob and Muthusamy pointed out that adequate time must be given to restaurant operators to make adjustments and preparations ahead of the the ban.
“Changes cannot be overnight. Having said that, the ministry should conduct frequent checks and provide restaurant owners with proper signage to educate the public ,” said Ayoob.
Both, Ayoob and Muthusamy agree that a designated space should be made available by the ministry, akin to smoking spaces in Singapore and South Korea.