PETALING JAYA: According to restaurateurs, the occasional defiant customer and hard-to-spot vapers remain a challenge in enforcing the no smoking ban on their premises.
The owner of a kopitiam in Sungai Way, who wanted to be known only as Ong, said the multiple posters disallowing smoking on her premises usually work to remind smokers to step out of the shop to take a puff.
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“At times, there are the defiant ones who blatantly light up cigarettes or vape inside my shop but they usually stop when we approach and reprimand them.
“We do not want to risk getting a hefty fine if we turn a blind eye,” she told The Star.
Two other restaurant operators in the township echoed Ong.
A mamak operator known only as Taib said that while staff regularly remind diners of the smoking ban, compliance remains a challenge.
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“We have had minor arguments break out, with some customers refusing to stop smoking even after my staff politely reminded them to stub out their cigarettes or take it outside.
“Some have reacted quite aggressively. It can be quite a challenge for us to implement this restriction at times,” he said.
He added that while smokers are easily spotted, vapers are far more difficult to detect.
“Vapers are quite evasive. They take a few puffs and put away their devices.
“Moreover, the vapours dissipate quickly and when we approach them, they often deny puffing,” he said.
Burhan Mohamed, owner and managing director of Kayu Nasi Kandar in Sea Park, said every now and then there are those who ignore the signs in his restaurant and brazenly smoke.
He said most would stub out their cigarettes when his staff remind them that smoking is not allowed.
“However, some are very defiant and tell us they are not afraid to be fined.
“In the early days, they would argue that since we sell cigarettes, they should be allowed to smoke.
“So, due to this argument, we stopped selling cigarettes at our restaurants,” he said, adding that he has spotted Health Ministry officers in plainclothes carrying out checks at restaurants and on the lookout for errant smokers.
The Star also spoke to several tobacco users who admitted to smoking at eateries despite being aware of the ban.
A security guard in his 50s who wanted to be known only as Yusof said he worked late nights and his late night supper was when he took time to relax his mind.
“I smoke to relax and release stress. Sometimes this has to be done seated while sipping a cup of coffee. This is what I have been doing for most of my life.
“Why can’t the government allow smoking at outdoor spaces or open air food courts which will affect non-smokers minimally, if even at all,” he said.
Another smoker, a retiree in his 70s who only wanted to be known as Samad, said spending time at restaurants was a way for him to pass his time.
“As a widower who no longer works, this is my way of relaxing and keeping my mind clear.
“I enjoy a smoke with my favourite drink and a chat with other seniors who are regulars at my favourite restaurant,” he said.
