Smokers unfazed by new rules but want a place to puff away

Men smoking at playground at Flat sri Pahang in Bangsar.AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Smokers appeared un­­­ruffled by regulations that require more public spaces to be declared off-limits to them.

According to them, enforcement would not be strict, going by past experiences.

Transport supervisor Mohd Arif Abd Samad said they would abide by the new ruling for now.

“I would have to find a proper place to smoke elsewhere,” said Mohd Arif, who smoked three cigarettes within the 30-minute interview.

Mohd Arif, who was smoking at a playground near his flat, nevertheless welcomed the regulation as a way to curb the habit.

It would also help to keep public places such as playgrounds and parks clean, he added.

“Even if there are proper places to throw cigarette butts, you are bound to see a few irresponsible smokers not using them to dispose the butts properly,” he said.

His wife Haslinda Abd Sukor, 31, felt that the regulations would be good to help smokers kick the habit.

“It’s good. At least, this will keep the children from picking up the habit,” said the housewife.

The couple, who have three children, said the Government should ensure stronger enforcement of the ruling.

Mohd Arif said a new ruling would not change anything without enforcement.

In fact, he claimed to have hardly seen enforcement officers on duty at a train station where he frequents.

Driver Azlan Sa’adon was also receptive to the ruling but he felt there should be designated places for smokers to have a puff.

“They have it in other countries, so why not here?” said the 41-year-old.