Malaysia’s Smoking Ban: Extinguishing the Flames of the Past

by Mierza Hakimi

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that smoking has always been both a liability and asset for mankind. For the most part, it serves as a coping mechanism for our endless woes in this hectic life; yet it promises dire consequences to any poor soul brave enough to meddle in its intricacies.

Like most Malaysian boys growing up in an urban environment riddled with all its ever-present social outcries in various forms, local resident Syafiee Sahidal has revealed that he has been smoking cigarettes since his early high school years. However, in light of the recent illegalization of smoking in eateries and restaurants, many Malaysians, including Syafiee, saw this as an opportunity to quit entirely.

“It’s kind of like a blessing in disguise if you ask me”, according to him. “A lot of us young adults have been part of this lifestyle for many years, so to not be able to smoke openly as we used to gives us a reason not to smoke in the first place.”

He recalls the first time he was introduced to smoking when he was only thirteen. “I was young and naïve. My brothers have started smoking way before me, and when things were not going well at school and at home, I had to find something to ease my nerves. Coincidentally, my house is right next to a little shop that sells cheap cigarettes.”

“Money has never been a problem for me, but it did feel overwhelming at times spending at least RM15 for a box each week.”

“Back then, you could smoke in restaurants, in front of mosques, in your car, and no one would bat an eye. But now, you would have to endure unpleasant stares from everyone if you so much as pull out a cig from your pocket. It’s not fun, but at least it’s effective.”

There is no denying that efficiency as well as awareness is what the Ministry of Health is hoping to fulfil nationwide.

As of 2015, 22.8% of Malaysian adults were smokers. Among these smokers, around a third of them smoke 25 or more cigarettes per day. This definitely calls for an alarming rectification by the Ministry of Health, especially with the rise of smoking-related health issues in the past few years.

With regards to this, Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, had stated in an interview with The Star that enforcement officers would focus more on educating the public regarding smoking as of now. “These policies will take time to implement so we want to step up awareness first.”

It is safe to say that the implementation of these policies has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedbacks from the general public. It ties back in neatly with the Health Ministry’s goal to spread awareness, and ultimately reduce smoking-related health risks.

Looking back to when things were different, Syafiee then revealed that, “It seems like an epidemic – no matter what they (authorities) do, we see more and more people, especially teenagers, who smoke on a daily basis. But I believe that this is a good platform to bring in changes nonetheless.”

Up to RM10,000 of fine, including the prospect of a two years jail sentence, awaits those who are fearless enough to give in to their temptations and are caught smoking in prohibited areas. Eateries found to have allowed customers to light up will be slapped with a maximum fine of RM2,500.

It could very well be the dawning of a new era, ushering in a generation that is more aware and rational in their decisions, especially regarding smoking.

At the very least, for an average Malaysian like Syafiee, the loss of a privilege could finally extinguish his own flames of the past for good.