Mumtaz Nawi (PN-Tumpat) told the Dewan Rakyat that despite the country’s various anti-smoking campaigns, smokers continue to light up in prohibited areas such as restaurants.

She added that by having separate restaurants for smokers and non-smokers, the public, especially children and pregnant mothers, would be protected from exposure to second-hand smoke.

“The country has many anti-smoking campaigns but enforcement is weak,” she said during the committee-level debate on the budget. “I suggest that the government work with local authorities to classify restaurants for smokers and non-smokers.”

She said the lack of separate classifications makes it difficult for parents to choose which restaurants to bring their children to as there might be smokers present.

Mumtaz also warned that non-smokers face the risk of confrontation with smokers by telling them not to smoke at eateries.

Last week, health director-general Radzi Abu Hassan said a total of 6,290 compound penalties amounting to RM1,457,300 were issued last month under tobacco control regulations.

He said a total of 22,361 premises were inspected, with 10,051 notices issued.