Malacca in ‘full support’ of smoking ban, says its chief minister

The smoking ban which has been enforced at all eateries nationwide effective today will not affect tourism in Malacca, said Chief Minister Adly Zahari.

He hoped restaurant owners and food operators would cooperate and discuss with the Health Ministry in resolving issues to ensure smooth implementation of the smoking ban.

“The state government will give its full support to the federal government in protecting and improving public health in tandem with our initiative to make Malacca clean, smart and green.

"The concept of a smart, green, clean Malacca is not focused on cleanliness alone (on the contrary) it covers all aspects,“ he told reporters after welcoming tourists at the Melaka International Airport in conjunction with Visit Melaka Year (TMM) 2019 at Batu Berendam, today.

With all food premises gazetted as no-smoking zones effective midnight on Tuesday those caught smoking in prohibited areas will be fined up to RM10,000 or face imprisonment not exceeding two years under Regulation 11 of the Tobacco Revenue Control Regulations 2004.

Meanwhile owners and operators of premises or vehicles who fail to display the no- smoking sign prominently will be liable to a fine of up to RM3,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months under Regulation 12 of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004.

Restaurant owners can also be fined RM5,000 or face imprisonment of up to a year, if they allow smoking on their premises.

Earlier, Adly also welcomed visitors to Malacca at the Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza and state Customs Immigration and Quarantine Complex at Sungai Melaka.

Meanwhile, Adly said the state government would also intensify promotions for Visit Malacca 2019 throughout the year through 85 programmes and events including a monthly mega event to achieve the 20-million visitors target this year.

He said cooperation between the state government, private sector, industry players including operators and traders would be intensified to boost the tourism industry.

"Apart from the 13 tourism sub-sectors including history, culture, sports, health, agro-tourism and eco-tourism, the education sector too is able to attract domestic, local and foreign visitors," Adly said.

Meanwhile, State Health and Anti-Drugs Committee chairperson Low Chee Leong, said the no-smoking signages to be displayed could be in other languages other than in Malay as long as foreign tourists were aware of the ban.

- Bernama