THE hotly-debated no-smoking zone programme in Malacca has not caught on here as the Selangor government has no immediate plans to implement such a measure.
Selangor executive councillor for health, plantation workers and poverty Dr Xavier Jayakumar, told The Malay Mail, "We have yet to decide whether it should be done as we have to adhere to the health ministry's rules.
Although I support having smoke-free areas, it will be difficult to segregate no-smoking and smoking zones in Selangor. However, we will continue with the anti-smoking campaign in the State."
At present, non-smoking zones in Malaysia are confined to buildings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, shopping malls, airports and childcare centres.
Selangor executive councillor for local government, research and study committee Ronnie Liu, expressed a position similar to Jayakumar.
"When it comes to anti-smoking, we will just follow the health ministry's rules and regulations."
Starting on Wednesday, five areas in Malacca covering 338 hectares would be declared as smoke-free zones.They include Malacca world heritage city, Melaka Raya, Melaka International Trade Centre, Alor Gajah and Jasin.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had reportedly said that Malacca's non-smoking policy would be a test and the ministry would weigh the pros and cons before implementing it nationwide.
