Why wait to enforce ban in Sarawak?

THE Federal government’s ban on smoking in all eateries begins today in accordance with Malaysia’s commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control under Article 8 of the World Health Organisation.

However, as reported and confirmed by Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak will only make its stance on the ban clear after a meeting between various stakeholders and the Sarawak Health Department on Jan 9.

This is really astonishing and certainly not what Sarawakians expect from the department and the local ministry. Why should such a straightforward and beneficial law not be enforced in Sarawak at the same time with every other state in the country?

First of all, why didn’t the state health department consult earlier with stakeholders – this law, after all, was not announced yesterday.

Will state authorities take the side of a small group of stakeholders – eatery owners and operators – or the majority of the population that is definitely all for banning smoking in eateries?

It is high time the state seriously takes the health of the people into consideration, as medical expenses are among the most dreaded consequences of the elderly.

A smoking ban in all eateries will not hurt the income of operators much, as long as the parameters for smokers are adhered to in accordance with the act.

Secondary smoke continues to be a huge contributor to many ailments that cause worry and loss to many families worldwide.

Sarawak state authorities must put their foot down and enforce the smoking ban for the good of the people.

PHILIP WONG

Director

Sarawak Institute for Public Affairs