The Star Online: Metro: Central

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 06:43 AM PDT

SMOKING will be banned in Taman Jaya, Petaling Jaya to ensure a healthier environment for visitors to the park.

Petaling Jaya mayor Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) would embark on an awareness campaign first before implementing the new ruling.

MBPJ is expected to enforce the ban in October and smokers who light up in Taman Jaya will be fined RM50.

Alinah said smoke-free zones at public parks were an important step in enabling families to enjoy the outdoors in a healthy environment.

"We do not want anyone who visits a public park to be exposed to the smoking culture and second-hand smoke," she said.

Currently, smoking is disallowed at the council's headquarters and Menara MBPJ in Jalan Yong Shook Lin.

Alinah said she had asked health inspectors to identify other areas that could be made smoke-free zones.

"Our Health Department will designate the exact boundaries for smoke-free zones.

"We may encounter difficulties at the start as we are dealing with an addiction.

"However, with continuous enforcement coupled with awareness campaigns, MBPJ hopes people will be aware of and abide by the new ruling.

"Some Petaling Jaya residents have expressed opposition to the ban.

"We are not out to stigmatise smoking. Smokers will not be allowed to light up in certain areas for health and environment reasons," she added.

Alinah said the ban was aimed at discouraging smoking and ensuring that the younger generation would not be influenced in the unhealthy habit.

"Our vision is to have a tobacco-free generation that will reap health and economic benefits," she said and pointed out that smoking also added to the littering problem.

Last week, a visit to Taman Jaya revealed many cigarette butts and empty packets strewn on the ground.

In August 2006, MBPJ had launched the city's Anti-Litterbug campaign at Petaling Jaya New Town where those who were caught throwing cigarettes butts on the ground or even dropping ash on the pavement were fined RM50 on the spot.

It was the first time the council had made use of the Garbage Collection and Disposal By-law 1984 under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.

Cigarette butts are also harmful as they leach toxic chemicals.

Some laud decision, others call for designated smoking spots

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 06:43 AM PDT

ALTHOUGH families have welcomed the Petaling Jaya City Council's decision to ban smoking in Taman Jaya, smokers feel they are being targetted and their rights infringed.

Businessman P. Kumaran, 34, is for the ban as he brings his family to the park for picnics and wants a clean environment that is free of the dangers of second-hand smoke.

"MBPJ's move to create the no-smoking zone is a good idea to protect the people's health," he said.

Electrical engineer Abdullah Abd Rani, 35, supported the plan to ban smoking in Taman Jaya.

"I believe it will encourage people to lead a healthier lifestyle. Turning Taman Jaya into a smoke-free zone is a good idea," he said.

Graphic artist Badrul Hisham, 39, called for a designated area where smokers could light up.

"We need to give people the freedom to smoke," he said.

Another smoker, Lim Seng Chye, 53, said he agreed with the smoking ban on health grounds.

However, he felt that smokers were being treated like outcasts.

"MBPJ can implement the ban but smokers should have an area where they can puff away and de-stress," Lim said.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Isnin, 17 Jun 2013

The Star Online: Metro: Central

The Star Online: Metro: Central

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