KUALA SELANGOR: The Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) recommends that all associated eateries cease selling cigarettes on their premises.
Over 40% of the 12,000 eateries under Presma no longer sell cigarettes, according to its president, Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan (pic).
He noted that in Puncak Alam, a restaurant recently received commendation from the Health Minister for not selling cigarettes.
This move, he told Astro Awani, signals a positive direction for the food industry.
He compared the initiative to the past when some shops sold alcohol, but now, such establishments are scarce.
"If we aim for everything to be halal, we should also eliminate cigarettes from our establishments soon," he added.
He shared these comments during the Walkabout Clean, Smoke-Free Premises Programme (BeBAS) in Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, on Sunday (Oct 6), officiated by Health Minister, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Moreover, he expressed Presma's concern about the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
He mentioned a provision in the Act that allows fines for premises failing to prevent smoking on-site.
"Our authority is limited, but we are relieved to have conveyed our concerns to the Health Minister and his officials," he said.
"I am confident they will devise a viable solution. Although it's gazetted, some discretion should be shown by monitoring officers," he continued.
He also hopes regular inspections will foster a culture of non-smoking in food premises.
