Iylia Marsya Iskandar
KUALA LUMPUR:National Cancer Society of Malaysia managing director Dr M. Murallitharan acknowledges that telling people not to smoke in eateries is a challenge.
He revealed that he had almost been slapped a few times for asking people to stop smoking in restaurants.
To address this challenge, he urged patrons and workers to fully utilise the JomLapor website, a platform focused on advocating enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
“JomLapor has been around for a few months and is quite effective. People can take photos, geotag the location, and submit complaints anonymously.
“We will then edit and forward the pictures, and within a few days enforcement officers will take action.
“It is less confrontational. We encourage restaurants to help make smoking indoors socially unacceptable.
“JomLapor empowers the public,” said Murallitharan, who also chairs the JomLapor initiative.
Consumers Association of Penang education officer N.V. Subbarow said they had received numerous complaints from restaurant owners on smokers flouting the no-smoking rule.
“Restaurant owners are often too afraid to confront these smokers due to safety concerns.
“CAP has proposed heavier penalties for smokers who ignore the rules.
“Many Malaysians comply with Singapore’s smoking laws, but fail to respect the same laws at home,” he said.
Subbarow said restaurant owners should install more closed-circuit television cameras to provide evidence for enforcement and stressed that fines must be imposed without compromise.
“Non-smokers also have the right to breathe clean air.
“Restaurants are frequented by people of all ages, from children to the elderly, and they should not be forced to inhale toxic air,” he said.
Subbarow also urged Rela and local councils to cooperate to enforce the smoking ban.
“Once such cases go viral on social media, smokers will think twice before lighting up,” he added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
