LAUNDROMATS, WORKPLACE BUILDINGS TO BE SMOKE FREE

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- Laundromats and workplace buildings, including government and private premises, will be added to the non-smoking areas effective Jan 1 next year.

This follows the enforcement of the Control Of Smoking Products For Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) on Oct 1.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that with laundromats coming under the no-smoking area, he has realised his struggle on the matter since 2019.

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"Of course I am truly grateful that the laundromat (designated as smoke free) which as a public space is frequented by mothers and wives who bring their children to take a break," he said.

The Minister of Health was speaking at a media briefing session on Act 852 today.

The deputy director-general of Health (Public Health), Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli and, deputy director (Non-Communicable Diseases), Disease Control Division, Dr Noraryana Hassan were present.

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On Jan 1, 2019, when assuming the Minister of Health post for the first time, Dzulkefly was reported to have said that the Ministry of Health (MOH) acknowledged the urgent need to expand the gazette involving the smoke-free areas as public places such as laundromats and hotels are plagued by the problem of cigarette smoke.

Meanwhile, Dr Noraryana said enforcement would start next year so the owners of the premises have sufficient time to put up no smoking warning sign boards.

"We want to give them (laundromat owners) the opportunity to get no-smoking warning sign boards to be placed on the premises," she said.

Act 852 outlines 28 areas designated as non-smoking zones.

Among other smoke-free areas which were previously gazetted are:

• Hospital or clinic areas.
• Lifts or public toilets.
• Eateries.
• Air-conditioned shops.
• Public transport station buildings.
• Airport areas, except for designated or approved smoking rooms.
• Government premises.
• Educational institutions or higher education institutions.

-- BERNAMA