Smoking Ban Enforced, What Are The Benefits To The Public?

The Non-Smoking Act & Regulations

“Cigarette smoke produces high levels of indoor air pollution with 300 types of toxic gases. Even though we do not see the smoke or no longer smell it, this does not mean we are free from the risk of danger when we are in a smoking area ”

Here is an explanation by Dr Shawaludin Husin, Occupational Health Physician (OHP) on the dangers of cigarette smoke to the public. Cigarette smoke inhaled by non-smokers actually poses a higher threat compared to the smokers themselves. For example;

• Pregnant mothers are at risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Studies have also shown that these mothers are at risk of giving birth to babies with certain syndromes.

• Children are at risk of sudden death syndrome and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis, learning delays and neurobehavioural problems.

This is where the legitimacy of the Ministry of Health Malaysia creates a non-smoking regulation in accordance with the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations 2004.

A Regulation is issued under the Food Act 1983 aims to protect the public from its health hazards and regulate on manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products

 - Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya Health Department.

Non-Smoking Areas

Under regulation 11 (1) of the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations, there are 23 non-smoking areas as listed below;

1. In public parks except in open parking lots.

2. In areas used for religious activities.

3. In the area of the daycare centre

4. In the premises or governmental office.

5. In the observation tower area, a canopy bridge in a national park or state park.

6. In the entertainment center area except pubs and discos.

7. In areas of health facilities such as clinics or hospitals.

8. In a public toilet or elevator.

9. In public transport such as bus or train stops.

10. In an air-conditioned work area.

11. On a school bus.

12. In the resource center area.

13. In the national service training area.

14. In any refueling station.

15. In the assembly area for activities in a building other than a residential building.

16. In the area of cyber cafes.

17. In any area of sports activities.

18. In educational institutions.

19. On any floor that has a service counter.

20. In the mall area.

21. In any area of the children's playground.

22. In the airport area.

Starting January 1, 2019, the Ministry of Health Malaysia gazetted places to eat throughout the country as non-smoking areas. This will begin with the enforcement of education for 12 months later followed by full enforcement starting January 2020. In addition, each premise listed is mandatory to display a no smoking sign. Quit smoking with the help of a doctor today!

The following are non-smoking areas in restaurants and food premises:

• Shop lots

• Open food area

• Food trucks

• Restaurants on parking lots

• Restaurants by the river

• Hanging restaurant

• On vehicles 

Recognize Signs Smoking 

The no smoking sign will be exhibited in the areas of smoking to remind the public to prohibit smoking and vaping. This board is made of hard, sturdy and durable material and the size of this board is based on where this board is displayed. 

Action If Failure to Follow Instructions

Starting January 1, 2020, fines will be imposed on both smokers and owners of food & restaurant premises based on the Smoking Prohibition Act 2020 if they fail to follow the regulations

Smoker

Offense Food & Restaurant Premises Owner

Complaints of smoking in food premises or in any public place can be made via Whatsapp to 010-8608949. This line allows you to send proof of pictures of smokers smoking on the premises or there is no sign of no-smoking on the premises. The name and address of the restaurant along with the date and time when the recording was made must also be sent along with the proof. Calls can also be made during office hours to 03-88924530.  

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Benefits of the Smoking Prohibition Act

# Practicing No Smoking Lifestyle

• The government's goal is to increase public awareness on healthy lifestyle practices and ensure that the people can enjoy a healthy and comfortable life. With the introduction of these acts and regulations, more and more teenagers are giving up smoking because of the stern action taken through the enforcement of those rules.

• However, the effectiveness of this rule cannot be fully evaluated due to its implementation period which has just reached 1 year.

# Cigarette Smoke Free Country

• In a way, we are all smokers if exposed to cigarette smoke exhaled by heavy smokers. In fact the harmful effects we suffer are the same or much higher than heavy smokers.

• The content of toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can have epigenetic effects or alter the genetic structure in our cells and damage organs. A study conducted by Shewta Ramdas from the University of Michigan proves that toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can have mutation implications for DNA structure and can be inherited by future generations.

# Sick- Building Syndrome?

• Being in a room or building full of cigarette smoke can cause various unhealthy symptoms known as Sick Building Syndrome. There are many studies conducted to prove that this syndrome can contribute to various health problems such as headaches, irritation of the eyes and skin as well as cramps.

• With the implementation of this smoking prohibition act, this syndrome can be avoided as well as improve the quality of employee efficiency and provide a healthy environment for employees.

# Improving the Effectiveness of the Anti-Smoking Campaign

• Various efforts have been made by the government to cultivate awareness among the people to not smoke. Among them is, by introducing a pack of cigarettes with information and pictures of the dangers of smoking. Campaigns such as "Nafas Baharu Bermula Ramadhan" and Anti-Smoking have been implemented.

• In fact, smoking has also been illegal in the National Fatwa Council since 1995. The results and effectiveness of these programs can be enhanced with the introduction of these non-smoking rules. 

# Reducing the Rate of Non-Communicable Diseases

• According to statistics from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, smoking is the number one risk for non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke and various cancers. Malaysia currently ranks first in the percentage of non-communicable diseases in Southeast Asia.

• With the introduction of smoking laws and regulations, the control of smoking can be implemented and hopefully reduce the rate of this non-communicable disease.

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