Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the decision was still being discussed with the relevant parties and was also part of the ministry’s efforts to increase no-smoking areas under the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2017.

“I ask for the support of all in this endeavour,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s speech on behalf of his ministry in the Dewan Negara yesterday.

“Those who go against this rule can be fined RM10,000 or jailed not more than two years,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.

Lee said apart from open-air restaurants, the ministry had also proposed that the smoking room in Parliament be closed starting this October to make the entire area a no-smoking zone.

He said the proposal would be carried out if there were no objections.

He said 23 areas were currently designated as no-smoking zones under the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2017. These include entertainment centres, theatres, elevators, public toilets, air-conditioned eateries, public vehicles, airports, government premises and any area used for the purpose of assembly.

“Under Regulation 12, the health minister can also declare an area as a no-smoking zone,” he added.