Smoking Ban A Strategic, Timely Move - PEMADAM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The enforcement of a smoking ban in selected areas and premises, effective yesterday is a strategic and timely move by the government.

Chairman of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) smoking cessation service programme, Datuk Kaswuri Keman expressed strong support for the policy and urged all parties to view it as a progressive step towards a healthier, smoke-free generation.

“This policy is not a violation of rights but a measure prioritising the overall well-being of the people,” he said in a statement today.

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He said the ban is also in line with Malaysia’s global commitment to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, under Article 8, which requires parties to adopt and implement effective measures to provide protection from exposure to tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, public transport, indoor public spaces, and other public areas.

Echoing the same sentiment is the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) which has also voiced full support for the enforcement of smoking ban in all workplace buildings.

Meanwhile, FOMCA’s tobacco control and @SmokeFreeMY initiative coordinator Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah in a statement said the initiative not only protects workers’ health but also significantly contributes to the well-being of the society and that of the future generations.

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He said the ban is crucial, citing a research by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Surgeon General, which concluded that no level of exposure to secondhand smoke is safe.

The study also estimated that over 27,200 deaths in Malaysia annually was attributable to tobacco.

“Data from Malaysia indicates that enforcing the ban is crucial to improve indoor air quality, protecting workers’ health, and reducing healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses,” he stated.

Therefore, he said all employers are urged to ensure that workplace buildings are completely smoke-free and also called on authorities to enhance monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance.

-- BERNAMA