Smoking zones unnecessary, says medical expert

Mixed smoke signals: Restaurant owners and smokers support smoking zones near outlets much to the chagrin of anti-smoking groups.

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The government has been urged to review its proposal to set up special smoking zones in public places, estimated to cost RM1mil, and instead use the allocation for smokers’ rehabilitation programmes or treatment for diseases caused by smoking.

Malaysian Public Health Medicine Specialist Association president Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said such designated zones were not necessary as smokers were restricted from lighting up at only 23 gazetted areas, such as eateries, air-conditioned shops, hospitals and government premises.