Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad today said that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall will work closely with the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) in setting up designated smoking areas in public places in the city.

The ministry’s initiative proves its strong cooperation with the Health Ministry (MOH), and the fact that smokers’ rights had also been taken into consideration even though smoking is bad for health, he told reporters today.

On Jan 7, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said all the 155 local authorities in the country wishing to set up special smoking areas in public places within their respective areas can apply for an allocation from KPKT.

Beginning Jan 1 last year, the ban on smoking was enforced in all indoor and air-conditioned restaurants, as well as open stalls, but smokers were still allowed to smoke at a distance of three metres from outside the restaurant.

However, on Jan 1 this year, the MOH enforced a full ban on smoking in all eateries nationwide with a maximum compound of up to RM350.

- Bernama