Smoking ban: Whose call?

The problem with the Sarawak government “is that their stand is not clear on not just this issue but all other issues”.

(The Borneo Post) – Chong says smoking ban under Ministry of Health which covers the whole nation, calls on Sarawak to state its stand on the issue

KUCHING: The Sarawak government must make its stand clear – whether to endorse or oppose the federal government’s smoking ban at all eateries to be enforced from Jan 1 next year.

Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, who pointed this out yesterday, said the problem with the Sarawak government “is that their stand is not clear on not just this issue but all other issues”.

“First things first, Sarawak government has to take a stand, whether to support the federal government’s smoking ban or not.

“If you’re (Sarawak government) not supporting, then you will have to let your counterpart at the federal government, which is the Ministry of Health (MoH), know about your stand and present to MoH why you’re not supporting.

“Sarawak government cannot be sitting on the fence on this issue. If you’re not supporting, you have to talk to MoH because once the federal government gazettes the policy, there is no way Sarawak is free from the implementation.

“Before the federal government gazettes it, Sarawak government must negotiate with the federal government so that Sarawak can be excluded if the Sarawak government does not support the smoking ban,” he told The Borneo Post here.

He was prompted for comments on the statement by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian that the smoking ban to be enforced by the federal government from Jan 1 would not apply to Sarawak unless the Sarawak government adopted the new policy.

Chong, who is Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, felt that the Sarawak government was trying to please smokers while on the other hand it seemed to be wanting to support the policy, for not making its stand known yet.

“This is not a responsible government and what typical opportunist politicians would do when critical issues are at hand.”

He asserted that it is not enough for a state cabinet minister to make an open statement like that.

He also wondered why Dr Sim seemed to be more interested in playing to the gallery than dealing with his ministerial responsibility.

“If you’re against it (the smoking ban), then tell the federal government, do not just keep quiet about your stand. Once the gazette is done, the policy will be implemented in accordance with the federal government.

“I support the smoking ban at all eateries even though I am a smoker,” added Chong.

The Borneo Post also attempted to get comments from Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim but was told that the department would issue a press statement on the matter soon.

“Appreciate (it) if you could wait for a press statement that will be issued soon,” she said.

Also contacted was Kuching Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Teo Giat Liew who declined to offer any comment but stated that the association will be issuing a statement this week.

He refused to make a personal stand whether to support or oppose the smoking ban.

“We will have a media statement on the issue soon, as we need to discuss among ourselves (members). I won’t be able to make any comment at the moment,” said Teo.

In October, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye announced that Malaysia would enforce the smoking ban at all eateries, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, including restaurants, coffee shops, open-air hawker centres and street stalls from Jan 1 next year.

Those caught smoking at prohibited areas will be fined RM10,000 and eateries found not enforcing the ban will be fined RM2,500.