KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to include laundromats in the list of smoke-free zones has been lauded by the operators and the public.

Checks by Bernama at several coin-operated laundromats around the capital found that most premises visited had put up 'No Smoking' signs on the premises.

Sharifah Gemma Al-Habshi, 58, expressed her support for the government's initiative, adding that she feels more comfortable doing her laundry with the enforcement.

"I will spend some time at the laundromat, waiting for the clothes to be washed and dried and feel uneasy if there's cigarette smoke. I hope the enforcement will continue for a healthy and comfortable environment," she said.

A food outlet assistant, Khalijah Mohd Din, 61, said efforts made by the premises to comply with the law are crucial, making the laundromats more family-friendly.

On Oct 4, 2024, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was reported as saying that the ministry expanded its list of smoke-free zones, effective Jan 1, 2025, as part of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). He announced that the new areas include laundromats, workplace buildings, and entertainment centres, bringing the number of smoke-free zones to 28.

Other gazetted non-smoking areas are hospital or clinic premises, lifts, public toilets, eating places, air-conditioned shops, public transport terminal buildings, airport areas except for approved smoking zones or rooms, government premises, and educational or higher learning institutions.

Also included in the list are entertainment centres or theatres (except casinos), childcare centres, shopping malls, petrol stations, libraries, internet cafes, stadiums, fitness centres or gyms, school buses and public vehicles.

Meanwhile, checks at several eateries found that business owners' and customers' compliance with the smoking ban has improved.

Dessert shop owner Abdul Rahman Salan, 60, said that most customers would smoke outside the premises.

Aaseq Farhat Anwar, 21, an eatery operator, said some customers would still smoke on the premises, but he would remind them to comply with the smoking ban.

Meanwhile, Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow said the smoking ban at laundromats is a positive step forward in helping Malaysia to become a healthier nation.

"CAP is very pleased with the enforcement, which starts today. We also urge the authorities not to grant any leniency to smokers who do not comply with the law.

"We urge that warnings not only be given but that offenders be taken directly to court so that smokers realise that enforcement is not just advice," he told Bernama.

Checks at several locations around the Bukit Mertajam area found that the public is complying with the smoke-free zone regulations, with no users seen smoking at laundromats.

A laundromat patron in Bandar Perda, Nazli Mohd Rashid, 37, said the 'No Smoking' signs have been displayed since last year, adding that he did not see customers smoking on the premises.

"… we've noticed that many smokers avoid smoking in the no-smoking areas because they're afraid of being fined. It's better not to smoke than to pay the fine," he said.

According to Nor Hazlia Ramli, 40, the government's decision to gazette laundromats as a no-smoking zone is a good move.

"During the time I've been using the self-service laundry, it's rare to come across smokers here, but with this new ban, I think it's even better. If anyone does smoke, other users can immediately file a complaint or remind the smoker," said the accountant.

Ros Anita Mohd Amir, 30, hopes that the authorities will intensify enforcement and conduct patrols to ensure the public complies with the regulation, calling for strict action against offenders as smoking not only pollutes the air but also harms others. – BERNAMA