Sarawak is not bound by the federal government's plan to gazette open-air dining spots as no-smoking areas next year, according to state local government and housing minister Dr Sim Kui Hian. 

The Borneo Post reported Sim as saying that the state government has its own  local government ordinance to adhere to, and that any new federal policy would have to be adopted in the state prior to implementation. 

He stressed that this is "part of our (Sarawak's) own autonomy."

“Until we adopt (the smoking ban), it is not applicable. We have our own local government ordinance,” he said.

Although pointing out that eateries in Sarawak are under the jurisdiction of local authorities, Sim – a trained cardiologist – acknowledged that smoking can be detrimental to health.

However, he did not reveal if the Sarawak government would consider amending the Local Authorities Ordinance 1966 to implement the ban.

In a statement later today, Sim clarified that he has been advocating for people to stop smoking throughout this professional life and that if Sarawak was to impose a smoking ban, it would be on their own terms. 

In October, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye announced that all restaurants, coffee shops, open-air hawker centres and street stalls would be designated smoke-free areas beginning Jan 1, 2019. 

Those caught in breach of the ban will face a fine of RM10,000. Eateries that fail to enforce the law slapped will be slapped with a fine of RM2,500.

The Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2017 prohibits smoking in 21 areas, including hospitals, public toilets, lifts, government premises as well as air-conditioned shops and offices.