Smoking ban: Dzulkefly not worried about losing votes

The smoking ban on all eateries will be enforced beginning next year. (File pic)

IPOH: Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is not worried about losing votes in next year’s Amanah elections following his announcement that smoking will be banned in open-air eateries.

The party’s strategic director said he would not change his stand although it was “not popular”.

“A friend told me that I won’t get their votes at next year’s party elections… it’s okay. I’d rather lose than compromise on people’s health,” he said at the Amanah National Convention 2018 here today.

Dzulkefly, who is the Kuala Selangor MP, said his aim was to improve the health services in the country.

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

“Statistics show we now have one doctor for every 630 people, but for a government which prioritises its economy, it should be one doctor for every 430 people.

“With a ratio of just 1.9 beds to every 1,000 people, we are still far from fulfilling the need for health facilities, such as hospitals and so on,” he said. -FMT