KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin suggested today a total import ban on cigarettes in Malaysia.
“In light of the government’s efforts to ensure non-smokers are free from smoke, why not ban the import of cigarettes altogether so that we can become the first nation in the world to be totally smoke-free so that our people will remain healthy?” the Umno MP was quoted by The Star as saying in the Dewan Rakyat.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad reportedly said the Cabinet could consider this proposal.
“Such a proposal must be considered in its entirety. It could be discussed at the appropriate forum and in Cabinet,” he was quoted saying.
Dzulkefly told Parliament that 22,047 written warning notices were issued after the government banned smoking at all restaurants nationwide since January 1 this year.
“Of this, 20,351 written warnings were issued to premises owners who failed to display the no-smoking warning signs.
“A total of 1,696 written warnings were issued to individuals who were found smoking at the eateries,” Dzulkefly was quoted responding to a question by Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PKR-Ledang).
