The non-smoking majority among the Malaysian public cannot but again be hopeful that the recent statement by newly-minted Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai that the health ministry is stepping up enforcement against smokers who light up in non-smoking areas will result in a well-co-ordinated and resourceful strike at all those flouting anti-smoking legislation.

I must remind Liow that by his statement, he has again created an expectation among all consumers that their right to a smoke-free environment will be protected.

It is pertinent that this expectation be fulfilled and not be dashed against the rocks of obese profits and the lobbying power of the tobacco industry and that neither will it be curtailed by administrative and enforcement incompetence.

As a consumer advocate with a track record of over 36 years, I must say that what we have seen so far are all only ‘good intentions’ that have still to be realised in our war against the tobacco industry.

The call for a smoke-free environment in all public places in Malaysia is still to be realised.

I cannot but wonder why when several nations (among them even our nearest neighbours such as Singapore) have entrenched a smoke-free culture, our nation is falling behind and pussyfooting around.

Several weeks ago, India joined the long and growing list of nations that are entrenching the rights and interests of the non-smoking public and in this endeavor, Malaysian authorities must not be caught napping nor just resorting to political rhetoric if the political will is absent.

But at the same time, I must acknowledge in all sincerity and humility that perhaps, just perhaps, I may be wrong and that Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai is serious about putting a stop to the tobacco curse and menace in our society.

If that is so, he can be assured that the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa), as a consumer body, will be among the first to join forces and assist the ministry in its war against smoking.

For this to be a reality, the operative word is ‘action’ – and all Malaysians want to see serious and punitive action be taken against all who break present tobacco legislation, among them restaurant owners who allow smokers to puff away at non-smoking sections and others who still sell cigarettes to the underaged.

We are all aware that according to the law, air-conditioned premises such as restaurants must have separate smoking areas with their own air-conditioning system to prevent other parts of the premises from being polluted. But in reality, is this being done?

The only way is for massive raids and checks to ensure that the law is being applied strictly and those violating it are penalised. It is also important that consumer bodies be allowed to join enforcement bodies and be empowered to issue summonses on behalf the health ministry on those violating the laws.

This extra manpower will certainly assist the health ministry in the war against smoking and towards protecting the rights and interests of the non-smoking public.

Finally, we must also be conscious that despite present sanctions of a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years jail or both, the number and incidences of those breaking ‘no smoking’ laws is growing unhindered.

The only solution, therefore, will be to gazette all public areas as non-smoking areas, increase the present fines to RM20,000 with a mandatory jail term to show that neither the government nor the public will compromise in assuring the non-smoking public their God-given right to a smoke-free atmosphere.

The writer is president, Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa).