No smoking in air-conditioned eateries, public parks and national parks across the nation from Aug 1

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has banned smoking in all air-conditioned eateries, public parks and national parks across the nation from Aug 1.
The ministry also announced that the minimum price for cigarettes in Malaysia, currently priced at RM7, will increase to RM9 with effect from Aug 1.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam announced this after a meeting with the steering committee of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of which Malaysia is a signatory.
"We are also going to raise the minimum price to RM10 in 2016," he said.
He added the ban in national parks would be concentrated on areas where the public has access to such as recreational spots, waterfalls and chalets.
"It is very hard to enforce it if it is deep in the jungle," he said.
As for the smoking ban in all air-conditioned eateries, Subramaniam said the previous rule where one-third of the restaurant was allowed for smokers has bee abolished.
"Smoking will not be permitted inside the whole premises," he said.
He added that enforcement will be done by all relevant agencies and local authorities.
"We will work with them and empower them to take action," he added.
Malaysia has been a signatory of WHO's FCTC since 2003.