New association to represent 4.7 million M'sian smokers in bid to beat ban

PETALING JAYA: Some four million smokers in the country now have a voice to represent them against the smoking ban in restaurants, following the registration of Pertubuhan Kesedaran Perokok Malaysia (PKPM) by the Registrar of Societies (ROS), says its founder, Mohd Hanizam Yunus.

“We have created history, as this is the first time that a registered association exists to represent the voice of the 4.7 million smokers in the country, ” he said when contacted on Thursday (Aug 8).

As a recognised body, he said the association is seeking to meet with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to give their views on the proposed Tobacco Control Bill, which is expected to finalised by the year's end.

“We will be writing a letter to the ministry to seek a meeting with the minister on the proposed Bill. This will be our third letter, as our previous two letters went unanswered.

“They should at least listen to our views now as smokers have an organisation to represent them, ” he added.

Mohd Hanizam said among the objectives of the newly formed association was to create awareness among smokers as to their rights under the law and constitution.

“We also want to create awareness among smokers to be more respectful and sensitive to the rights of non-smokers, who may be disturbed and feel uncomfortable with our smoking, ” he added.

He said this includes creating awareness among smokers on the latest medical treatment for those wanting to kick the habit.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hanizam said Kuala Lumpur High Court has fixed Aug 22 to hear a judicial review challenging the ministry's decision to impose a smoking ban at all restaurants and food premises beginning Jan 1.

“We are going ahead with the legal action to challenge the ban, ” he said.

Mohd Hanizam was among six individuals who filed for a judicial review on Dec 31 last year.

The group claimed that ban went against the Federal Constitution, as smoking is not deemed a criminal activity or banned in the country.

Among the other claims under the suit was that the government did not provide adequate facilities such as smoking areas, nor included provisions for business operators to prepare their own non-smoking areas.

The group has its own Facebook page and has almost 1, 900 followers.