SIBU: The smoking ban at restaurants and coffee shops to be enforced from January next year is welcomed by some of the owners and visitors in Sibu.
Morsidi Mohamad Putit, 54, owner of Nuraini Cafe, said he welcomed the new government’s regulations and recommendations on smoking ban at restaurants and coffee shops.
“I am in view that people should not smoke while visitors are dining.
“Smokers should be aware of the smoking hazards towards non-smokers,” he said during an interview yesterday afternoon.
Morshidi added that at the moment, shop owners could not ban people from smoking in the coffee shop as it depends on the smoker’s sensitivity.
“If you want to smoke, go to a designated area for smoking. It’s better not to smoke near other diners while dining as this could spoil their appetite.
“I also urge all owners to not provide ashtrays as doing so encourages visitors to smoke in the premises,” he said.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Nelly Ting stressed that cigarette smoke was dangerous for non-smokers.
“Cigarette smoke can harm the health of non-smokers and it is smelly,” she said.
Owner of Dapur Azra Sup Tulang Berempah, Siti Rahmah Hamdan, also agreed with the government’s recommendation.
“It’s a good idea as cigarette smoke can cause discomfort to other diners and make them lose their appetite,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Manager of Sibu Islamic Complex Mazlan Sahmad was supportive of the government’s call as warned by the print and electronic media.
“Quoting the print and electronic media, the health department finds more harm than good in smoking.
“If we follow the Islamic point of view, we must keep ourselves away from things that can harm the body. When I visit coffee shops, the smokers blow out the smoke without hesitation.
“Cigarette smoke can disturb other diners. Thus, I support the government’s call,” he said.
