KUALA LUMPUR, August 14 — Kota Kinabalu City Hall (KKCH) has proposed establishing designated smoking zones in the Sabah capital, taking Singapore’s lead.
The Star reported Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Arifin Asgali as saying that Kota Kinabalu is taking cues from Singapore, where its designated smoking zones are located about 300 metres away from each other.
“I have been informed by state Youth and Sports Minister Ginger Phoong that this issue has been raised in the state Cabinet.
“Right now, I can only speak for KKCH but we will seek the Health Ministry’s advice on the necessity of providing smoking spaces and the distance between them,” said Arifin, as quoted by The Star.
Singapore bans smoking in most indoor locations, but designated smoking areas are provided in entertainment outlets, food places, office premises, and the airport.
Arifin also welcomed suggestions on placing a ‘No Smoking’ sticker on restaurant tables for better visibility.
“This is a good suggestion to put sticker on all tables. DBKK (Kota Kinabalu City Hall) will look into it and will ask cooperation from restaurant operators,” he was quoted telling reporters, according to New Straits Times.
Like the federal government, the Sabah state government has extended the grace period for a smoking ban in all restaurants to December 31.
