WHAT is the definition for smoking? Does it just refer to cigarettes?
I am talking about the new trend of smoking e-cigarettes. I am a firm believer in exercising people’s rights. That includes smokers’ rights. They are responsible for their own health. I am also a firm believer of the law. The law says no smoking in certain areas and that should be followed.
I was at the stadium last Friday to watch the Malaysia XI against my favourite EPL club Liverpool. I was excited, but there was something very disturbing that I did not witness during my last trip to the stadium.
There were children, women, elderly and even those with respiratory problems present. There were also e-cigarette smokers sitting all around us. The air was filled with the pungent scent of smoke. My eyes were irritated and I heard many people coughing. Many were also seen covering their noses. As I have sensitive skin, I developed mild rashes.
Many may defend the smoking of e-cigarettes, saying that it is safer than cigarettes. This may be true based on the ingredients they contain, but it does not change the fact that it is still smoking.
Are we going to allow this trend to take place in prohibited areas? It is worrying because I saw college students, and even school children, smoking this e-cigarette. Smoking is smoking and a ban is a ban. Prohibition of smoking should also cover e-cigarettes. I hope the authorities will look into the matter.
Sarala Poobalan,Kuala Lumpur