A suggestion made by YB Tumpat, Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi, in the Dewan Rakyat to classify restaurants into smoking and non-smoking sections has encountered refusals from netizens, particularly on platform X, below the posting made by @501Awani.

@luxentX expressed disapproval, stating, “I do not support this. Look at kopitiams and mamak stalls. Are there places for smokers that do not disturb non-smokers? If allowed, surely all restaurants will want to be labeled as smoking-friendly places. This affects not only children and pregnant women but all non-smoking patrons. We do not want cigarette and vape smoke. Enforcement is weak.”

@luxentX also suggested for a revival of a large-scale campaign to fine smokers in dining areas and involve the media to raise awareness. They expressed frustration, citing a lack of visible actions despite lodging complaints.

Meanwhile, @The5H5615 strongly criticized the proposal, emphasizing that restaurants are not appropriate places for smoking. They urged smokers to go far outside and stressed the importance of enforcement rather than segregation.

Concerns primarily revolve around the potential inconvenience to non-smokers, the desire for stronger enforcement of no-smoking policies in public dining areas, and the fear of normalizing smoking in various restaurant settings. This online discussion highlights the contrasting viewpoints on accommodating smokers while preserving smoke-free environments in public spaces.

Image from Expats.cz