Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) would like to clarify our stand on the no smoking zones gazetted by the Malacca state government as reported by a news website.

Suaram welcomes the move by the Malacca state government in gazetting five areas, including the entire districts of Alor Gajah and Jasin as no-smoking zones. Documented evidence from many studies done over the years has consistently pointed to a link between tobacco smoke and many health problems.
 
Suaram does not support nor condemn smoking per se, and that this should be a choice made by the citizens themselves. However, Suaram recognizes the fact that the state has the responsibility to make laws that regulate society and has a duty to ensure the well-being of the people, and gazetting no-smoking zones helps to fulfil these two roles.

Gazetting the entire Alor Gajah and Jasin town centres, along with the World Heritage City, Taman Melaka Raya and the Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh could prove problematic in terms of enforcement.

Prior to Malacca’s gazetting of their no-smoking zones, 21 sites had already been gazetted by the Health Ministry as no-smoking zones, including cinemas, shopping complexes, hospitals, air-conditioned and enclosed restaurants, recreational parks and sports complexes which has led to challenges in enforcement.

Suaram is concerned with what enforcement mechanisms the Malacca state government will employ in enforcing the ban, especially with the room for corruption that a RM5,000 fine will open up.

It should be noted that quitting smoking is a challenge for most smokers, and a blanket ban on its own will not deter anyone from smoking or from picking up the habit.

If the government is really serious about lowering smoking rates, then a more holistic approach should be taken, including medical assisted cessation programs, education campaigns and maybe even stopping the production of tobacco products.


Hasbeemasputra Abu Bakar is Suaram coordinator.