City folk are calling for more action against smoking in public places. This comes as non-smokers said they are increasingly exposed to secondary smoke.
Communications strategist Lylatul Qadrina Mohd Yusman, 24, said there needed to be more designated smoking areas.
“It is hard for the authorities to monitor and charge smokers everywhere.
“Designated zones is a better option.
“For example, my office compound is a smoke-free zone. My colleagues will smoke at designated zones, away from the smoke-free areas.”
Fahmi Razak, 27, agreed that there should be more such zones.
“It is time for smokers to be more responsible and support ideas that can make life better for everyone.”
Student Qistina Sallehuddin, 21, said designated smoking areas would prevent non-smokers from being exposed to secondary smoke.
ACTIONLINE:
Mayor Tan Sri Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said the city had launched an initiative for a smoke-free Kuala Lumpur.
“Studies by the National Health Morbidity Survey 2015 show that the prevalence of smoking is 19.1 per cent.
“The aim of the 18-month initiative is to reduce this number and raise awareness about the risks of secondary smoke.
“We will work with the Health Ministry to boost enforcement.
“We will also work with restaurant associations and agencies on the awareness campaign.
“Billboards, posters and LED signs have been installed in public places as part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities Initiatives.”
Announced in May, the partnership between the City Hall and Bloomberg Philanthropies, led by World Health Organisation’s global ambassador for non-communicable diseases Michael R. Bloomberg, aims to create a better living environment for the nation.