KUCHING: Non-smokers are all for the government’s plan to extend the smoking ban to eateries that are not air-conditioned, but a smoker could not see the logic for this proposed policy.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk James Chan, said he was all for this new policy as it was good for the people’s health.
“As I am a non-smoker, I do not like people to smoke. In Singapore and some neighbouring countries, they are very serious about this smoking ban. They have thorough programmes to discourage smoking.
“Singapore has done a lot on this. I am no expert, but it has been said that second-hand smoke is even more detrimental to our health,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Chan, however, observed that smokers – just as non-smokers should be respected – were at liberty to light cigarettes.
As such, he said the government should specify areas for smokers if it extended this smoking ban.
Chan hoped smokers would realise that smoking is a health hazard and that they should quit for the sake of their own health and those of their families.
Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei was supportive of this proposed policy, too.
He said eating outlets were places for food and leisure, and non-smokers had every right to fresh air.
“I am all for the ban. There are many customers who do not smoke, so they have rights to fresh air and enjoyment of using the place for food.
“Smokers should show courtesy to others. Smoking at a crowded place is an act with no courtesy. Smokers should smoke in places that do not cause a nuisance to others.
“They should not smoke whenever and wherever they like and expect people sitting at neighbouring tables to move away just for them to smoke. Smokers should be the ones to move away to smoke.”
Wong added that smokers ought to be more considerate, particularly with children around.
For MBKS Councillor Su Chua Phin, smoking is bad in terms of health and money.
“Eateries, whether air-conditioned or otherwise, are meant for people from all walks of life. Many patronise eateries with family or for social gatherings.
“When smokers light their cigarettes, non-smoking adults, the elderly, infants, children, and pregnant women are all affected because they become second hand smokers.”
Su, who does not smoke, said he had friends who smoke, but they would excuse themselves and get a puff outside during social events or gatherings.
“I know it’s not easy to quit smoking, but smokers can choose to be civilised and considerate. Of course, it is best to quit. If they can’t, at least they should be considerate to others.”
Meanwhile, Melson Chai, who has been smoking for the past 30 years, felt it was premature for the government to extend ban as many coffee shops were poorly maintained.
“Our coffee shops are not up to the standard. Most of them are dirty and unhygienic. My friends and I do not find the proposal timely because there is so much room for improvement in terms of environment and hygiene.”
Chai, who is SUPP Batu Kawa branch executive secretary, asserted that many smokers would not mind the extended ban if coffee shop operators enhanced hygiene and cleanliness at their outlets.
“For now, I just feel it is not possible to do it because our coffee shops are not up to the standard, unlike those in other countries.”
On Sunday, Kuching Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners’ Association joined the Malaysia-Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors’ General Association in urging the government to discuss with operators concerned before implementing the new policy.
Its chairman Teo Giat Liew said coffeeshop owners had been facing difficulties in doing business
ever since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
“GST has already hit our business and once the new policy comes into effect, we will be further burdened.”