You Will Have To Stand At Least 3 Metres Away From Eateries To Smoke In 2019
Deputy Health Minister Dr. Lee Boon Chye made the announcement earlier today, 17 December.
By Jia Vern Tham — 17 Dec 2018, 03:33 PM
While eateries will not get designated smoking areas in 2019, the Health Ministry came up with a solution today for patrons who still want to smoke
According to Berita Harian, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Lee Boon Chye said today that smoking will be allowed at least three metres (or 10 feet) away from eateries beginning 2019.
Lee made the announcement during a press conference at the Parliament lobby earlier today, 17 December.
Lee added that no-smoking signs must be put up in eateries as well
The Star reported the Deputy Health Minister as saying that at least one rectangular 40cm x 50cm no-smoking poster must be displayed at a prominent location in eateries effective next month.
"They (operators) must also not provide any facilities for smokers at their premises such as ashtrays," Lee added.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is giving both eatery owners and smokers a six-month grace period after the smoking ban comes into effect next month
Free Malaysia Today reported Lee as saying that the period will be used to educate the public on the ban.
"The first six months (of the ban) is more towards warning and education," he said, before adding that enforcement will be conducted in stages.