KUCHING: The smoking ban will begin to take effect in the city tomorrow but six months henceforth will be a grace period during which the enforcement will be more educational than punitive.
Kuching South mayor, Datuk James Chan, spoke on this during an official meeting of the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) yesterday.
“According to a report by the deputy mayor, Hilmy Othman, the owners of establishments such as kopitiam, cafés, and restaurants under the MBKS jurisdiction should help monitor the enforcement.
“Generally, officers from the State Health Department are the ban enforcers but as agreed for Sarawak, six months have been set for educating the public especially smokers,” he said.
“During the period, those who come across smokers lighting up should remind them about the ban,” he said.
“As for MBKS we have already made non-smoking signs, posters … and if we look at Stutong Market, we have set up a big poster there to discourage smoking.”
According to him, the ban has it pros and cons. On one side are the smokers and on the other side are non-smokers, but in general the non-smokers are the ones suffering discomfort when they smell or breathe in cigarette smoke.
The Council, he said, supports the ban as its purpose is to serve the people.
After the end of the six-month educational period, the ban would be enforced fully, but the grace period could be extended if there is a need for it.
“Our state government wants to study this before using the full force of the law, but the initial approach will be graceful, nice and friendly,” he said.
In the deputy mayor’s report, the ban will be enforced in eateries under the jurisdictions of MBKS, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
“When you smoke you should be three metres away from any restaurant, café and kopitiam,” Chan continued.
“I am not a doctor, but the Health Department can tell you that if you smoke less, it’s good for your health.
“We can’t force people to stop smoking, but it is good to discourage bad habits for a healthier lifestyle.”
