IPOH: Despite being "unpopular" for the move to ban smoking at open-air eateries, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad says the health of the people was more important. "I know I am not popular after the announcement was made to ban smoking at such places beginning January next year," said the Health Minister. "I have 'friends' calling me saying that I will not get their vote since Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) will hold its elections next year. However, more than 20,000 eatery owners under the umbrella of three associations are against the ministry's move to ban smoking at open-air premises. The three associations are the Malaysia-Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors General Association (MSCSPGA), Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) and Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas).

Source: The Star December 16, 2018 05:48 UTC