Restaurant owners call for more feedback before smoking ban implemented

PETALING JAYA: The proposed smoking ban at eateries and restaurants could have a negative impact on restaurants still struggling with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), say Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners’ Association (Primas).

Its president T. Muthusamy said the move would force smoking customers to seek alternative options in eateries.

“Restaurant operators are already coping with the implementation of GST in sustaining their businesses.

“They should be given the choice on whether they wish to allow their customers to smoke in their premises,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

Muthusamy said the are already many restaurants which do not allow smoking at their premises.

“Same goes for restaurants that allow smoking and this way, customers can make choices to have their meals in a smoking or a non-smoking restaurant,” he said.

He urged the Health Ministry to obtain more feedback from business owners before making decisions that could impact restaurants and businesses.

It was reported recently that the Government plans to ban smoking at all eateries nationwide, even at open-air premises and those without air-conditioning.

It will also be gazetting all public and national parks, including theme parks, as non-smoking zones.