JOHOR BARU: A number of mamak restaurants in the city centre appeared to be lacking customers despite the usually busy lunch hour, following the implementation of the no-smoking ban nationwide.
NSTP’s checks at mamak restaurants in Bandar Baru Uda and Tampoi showed only a handful of diners at the usually busy restaurants.
However, smokers appeared to be complying with the regulation, with many of them spotted puffing away at a distance away from the eateries.
One restaurant worker, who only wished to be identified as Mohamad, acknowledged that his shop has seen a dip in the number of customers on the second day of the ban.
“There were quite a few people on the first day of the smoking ban. The smokers were also complying with the ruling by lighting up outside the shop. But today, we’ve seen a drop in the number of customers.
“I’m hoping that this doesn’t have anything to do with the smoking ban. If this continues, it’s going to hurt out business,” he said.
One customer, Musalman Mohd Isa, 35, said that as a smoker, he is still visiting the restaurant as it is not only affordable but also near his office.
“The only difference is that I no longer smoke at the table. If I want to puff away, I’ll walk outside and light up, that’s all,” he said.