Malaysia: Penang Gets ''Smoke Signals''

Source from:  The Star 07/06/2015

The Health Ministry has advised its Penang department to declare George Town Unesco heritage enclave a cigarette smoke-free zone tomorrow.

State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the state Health Department would meet today to discuss the implementation of the cigarette smoke-free policy.

"Members of the Cigarette Smoke-Free Penang committee will be attending the meeting," Phee said yesterday.

Phee said efforts were now focused on creating awareness of the policy rather than denying smokers their right to smoke.

"We also need to look at foreign and local tourists who may not be aware of the matter," Phee said when contacted in Lyon, France, where is attending the World Summit on Climate and Territo-ries.

"Practising a healthy lifestyle will help save on public healthcare but this is not to fill up the coffers by fining smokers."

It was reported that the cigarette smoke-free policy would be enforced on July 1, after an application was sent to the ministry to gazette the George Town Unesco heritage enclave as a smoke-free zone.

A check on Wednesday found smokers puffing away at the heritage zone in George Town.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya could not be reached for comment. Enditem