Smokers Need Special Zones Outside Eateries
By Achong Tanjong

Bandar Seri Begawan - Since the enforcement of the Tobacco Order 2005 on August 1 this year which includes no smoking at certain areas including restaurants, most eatery operators in the country have been taking steps by setting up tables and chairs at the foot-way outside their premises as a smoking zone for the convenience of smoking customers.

The owners and staff at restaurants and eating outlets have taken the initiative by putting up "No Smoking" signs inside their premises and even dare to ask smoking customers to move to the allocated smoking zone if they want to light up.

One of the restaurant owners in Kiulap said business has not been good as most of his regular clients, who are mostly smokers, change to other eating venues that provide them with a proper and comfortable place to smoke.

"I have to set up extra seats outside the premises as the smoking area," he said.

Asked whether they are allowed to operate business along the foot-way, which is supposed to be used for the convenience of passers-by, he said other restaurant operators are doing the same thing.

"Once the customer gets used to the new environment and service at other restaurants, they would then become regulars," he said. He hoped that by doing so, they could serve and keep their old customers to come and dine at their restaurant.

Restaurant operators appreciate the initiative taken by the Ministry of Health to enforce the Tobacco Order 2005, which is for the benefit of everyone and also respect nonsmoking clients and at the same time, promotes a healthy lifestyle.

The Tobacco Order 2005 was enforced for the grace period of six months effective August 1.

The Ministry of Health is actively implementing measures of the Order and its regulations.

Tobacco Order 2005 contains 36 sections under six sections namely control on tobacco product, the prohibition of smoking at specified place and vehicle, and control on advertisement Regulations under Tobacco Order 2005.

Based on the population census in 2001, 17.5 per cent of the population aged 15 years and above are smokers or about 40,000 of smokers are recorded in the country. The biggest age group is those aged between 20 and 34 years old.

The Tobacco Control Unit has been set up in July this year which is responsible towards the implementation of the legal aspect of tobacco in the country.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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