THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) will support the establishment of designated smoking areas (DSAs) as currently being considered by the Health Ministry. It must however be carefully planned and executed. Considering the implementation of DSAs is by no means a U-turn in policy by the Health Ministry. We believe the ministry remains firm in its stand against smoking.
President Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan, who labelled the proposal as a U-turn, said the restaurant operators prefer a ban as it would be better to maintain cleanliness at the premises.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said this is because, for these types of eateries, it was difficult to adhere to the 3m distance currently enforced.
