PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed concern over the recent incident at a Shah Alam restaurant where a scuffle broke out after a man allegedly smoked near a pregnant woman.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the episode called for the importance of proper and regular enforcement of smoking control laws.
“Smokers and vapers must obey the law, use designated areas and be mindful of expectant mothers, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
“Exposure to second-hand smoke can trigger asthma, heart disease and other serious health problems,” he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 15).
ALSO READ: QuickCheck: Did a fight erupt at a Shah Alam restaurant after a man smoked near a pregnant woman?
In the Friday (Sept 12) incident, the woman and her husband asked a worker to tell the man to stop, but he continued smoking and was said to have blown smoke towards them.
The situation escalated when the husband pushed the smoker, leading to a fight.
Police have since confirmed they are investigating the case under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
Rajoo said the bullying element in such disputes was worrying, as it might point to underlying mental health and behavioural issues that should not be overlooked.
MMA urged the Health Ministry to step up consistent enforcement to protect the public, stressing that only with firm, regular enforcement would smoking control laws be effective.
It also called for increased awareness of the ministry’s Smoking Complaint Line, which allows the public to report cases of smoking in non-smoking areas before situations escalate.
