PETALING JAYA: It's unnecessary for the Health Ministry to conduct a survey on the proposed smoking ban when it is a positive move, say lawmakers.
Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said legally, the ministry had every right to enforce the ban.
"This is a positive move and the ministry should go ahead with it. It will only benefit the masses.
"There may be other reasons behind the ministry's decision to conduct a survey. Perhaps it wants to find out why people are adamant about smoking in public," he said.
Pasir Salak MP Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said there was absolutely no need for a survey on the proposal.
"It is something that can be implemented and enforced without question. However, there is no harm in asking the public, just to be certain they are in full support of the decision," he said.
He added that there could instead be specific locations for smokers to light up.
Penampang MP Darell Leiking said the Government and authorities would have already done the necessary study prior to even proposing the ban.
"In fact, it is high time something like this is enforced as many people can't stand the smell and secondary smoke has been proven to cause diseases.
"Having a survey will only lead to needless complications," he said.
Kampar MP Dr Ko Chung Sen, too, hailed it as a great policy that had been embraced by many countries.
"Surely, there will not be too much objection to it. The Government should just go ahead with it.
"Also, by doing a survey, special interest groups may pay people to register and disagree on the issue," he said, adding that the authorities should also look into enforcement.
