KUALA LUMPUR – Persatuan Kebajikan Dinamik Sinar Kasih Malaysia (DSK) has expressed full support for the Ministry of Health’s (KKM) move to enforce the Public Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024 (Act 852), which was gazetted on February 2.
Its president, Datuk Sivakumar Nadarajah who is also the patron of Sri Maha Mariamman Dhevastanam Temple in Kuala Lumpur, emphasized that enforcing this act is crucial to ensure that public spaces remain free from smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes or vape.
“At the temples under Dhevastanam’s administration, we consistently ensure a smoke-free environment and have enforced a ban on smoking and vaping within temple grounds,” he said in a statement.
He also stressed that Batu Caves, which serves not only as a place of worship but also as a renowned tourist attraction receiving over 1,000 visitors daily, requires special attention in the implementation of the act.
“The act must be strictly enforced against anyone who violates it. I hope KKM implements this enforcement seriously without any compromise,” he added.
Sivakumar further urged authorities to take actions that create awareness and serve as a lesson to violators, particularly in public areas frequented by people, such as temples and shopping centers.
He called on the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, to tighten actions and enforcement against the use of tobacco and vape, including against foreign visitors even if they are in Malaysia for a short period.
“KKM should designate Batu Caves as a mandatory no-smoking area, in line with the act, given that it is a gathering place for a diverse community as well as tourists,” he said.
He suggested that KKM make Batu Caves a promotional spot for the enforcement of the act to ensure its effectiveness is felt by all segments of society, including tourists. -MalayaDailyToday
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