Presma president Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said about 40% of the 12,000 eateries under the association no longer sold tobacco products, adding that this was a positive development for the food industry.

“We’ve just seen the health minister handing a letter of appreciation to a restaurant in Puncak Alam for not selling cigarettes. I believe that this is a good direction to head towards,” he was quoted as saying by Astro Awani.

“If possible, for these restaurants, if we want everything to be halal, we should also curb smoking in the near future.”

However, he voiced concern over legal provisions that would penalise eatery operators for failing to stop customers from smoking on their premises.

Jawahar said it was difficult for operators to order patrons not to smoke at their restaurants as they have limited legal authority.

“Nonetheless, we are relieved as we managed to convey our views to the health minister and his officer. I am confident that they will come up with a solution,” he said. “I think officers keeping an eye on eateries should be given some discretion (in issuing compounds on operators).”