Restaurant owners say smokers complying with ban

Restaurant owners say smokers appear to be complying with the ban on lighting up at eateries which came into effect today.

This was despite enforcement officers taking a 'soft' approach for the first six months by issuing advice before the commencement of fines in the middle of the year.

Restaurant owner Rosli Mohamad, who is in his 40s, said he was satisfied with the compliance of customers visiting his shop.

"Throughout the operations today, I see that my customers have not been smoking as they did before," he said.

Rosli also said he would advise customers against lighting up as their actions could also result in him being fined.

"If customers smoke at my shop, I will advise them nicely. If they smoke, I can get a fine too.

"I've also stopped providing ashtrays starting today. Without the smoke and ash, my shop is cleaner and more comfortable," he said.

Under the new ruling, anyone who smokes at eateries is liable to a fine of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

"Restaurant owners who allow customers so smoke could also face a fine of up to RM2,500.

Read more: Educative approach to smoking ban at eateries for six months

Another restaurant owner, 36-year-old Che Ros Che Haron said he observed that his customers were not smoking today.

"Perhaps the smokes are worried about enforcers, and hopefully it will last," said the nasi campur seller.

Private sector employee Azizi Abdullah, 28, who is a smoker, said he had no choice but to comply with the new ruling.

"It does feel weird that I can't smoke at a restaurant, as I would normally light up after eating.

"But I have no choice but to follow, we need to be patient. I'll have to find another location to smoke after eating," he said.

Health Ministry Dzulkefly Ahmad said today that enforcement officers would adopt an "educative" approach for the first six months before imposing fines.

Sarawak puts smoking ban at eateries on hold

See you in court, health minister tells smoking ban challengers

Educative approach to smoking ban at eateries for six months

Smokers club members file judicial review to challenge smoking ban