KUCHING: Smokers beware! Smoking ban at all eateries in the state will be enforced effective March 1.
This is following a decision by the State Cabinet at its meeting yesterday.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian announced this in a press statement issued to the press.
He said the decision was for the health benefit of the general public.
Despite the ban, licensed operators are allowed to designate smoking spots but only at an area not less than three metres away from the nearest table where food and drinks were being served, he added.
In addition, the licensee would be responsible to ensure that the smoking spot be kept clean at all times.
Dr Sim said the State Cabinet had also agreed that the first six months from March 1 would be an educational enforcement period where no compound would be issued.
The federal government has banned smoking at all restaurants and food joints in Peninsular Malaysia effective Jan 1. Sabah will implement theirs on Feb 1.
