Smoker’s Rights Group Challenging the Health Ministry for “Bullying” Smokers

After the nationwide smoking ban was introduced, a group, Pertahankan Hak Perokok (PHP) has initiated a judicial review on it in order to get the ministry to respond to its engagement call.

Source: malay mail

The chairman, Mohd Hanizam said that the only thing the group wants is for smokers to be allowed to smoke in the open-air areas within eateries like before. They also want to discuss possible alternatives like assigning designated smoking areas which have been done in other countries.

Source: arab news

As reported by Malay Mail, he said,

“You must have consultations with the stakeholders before something is done. We are not againtst the government whatsoever and we only oppose the ban.” 

The group filed for the judicial review in the High Court on the 31st December and the reason behind it was because the ministry did not want to engage with them for any discussion.

According to Hanizam, PHP has managed to collect research materials from legit sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to support its claim that smoking in an open-air area is less harmful than indoors. These research materials will be presented to the ministry for review.

Source: the star

He elaborated,

“I personally think we smokers as law-abiding citizens have been bullied. We have no qualms about all this while when hospitals and government buildings are gazetted as non-smoking areas but when you include al-fresco dining establishments, then it has gone too far. 

PHP has also collectively received positive feedbacks from smokers nationwide which will drive them further in fighting for the judicial review application.

What do you think of this? Should smokers be allowed to practice their habit like before or are you comfortable with the new smoking ban? Do share with us your thoughts in the comment section below.

Also read: These M’sians Came Up With Hilarious Ways to Adapt to the Smoking Ban & They’re Pretty Creative!