BATU GAJAH: Food premises are not allowed to provide designated smoking areas within the business operations area.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the smoking ban was within three metres of the premises.

“If an eatery provides a designated smoking area outside the premises, it does not fall under the authority of the Ministry of Health (MOH) but the local authority (PBT).

“We have had discussions with the local authorities. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government may consider allowing eateries to provide ashtrays for cigarette butts,” he said at a press conference to announce a ‘Health and Blood Donation’ campaign at the Batu Gajah Parliamentary Community Service Centre here today.

Dr Lee said eateries would have to comply with the restaurant operating licence issued by local authorities, and stern action would be taken if the rules were flouted.

In a separate development, Dr Lee said lack of awareness among the public on the importance of early cancer detection was among the causes for the rising number of new cases.

According to statistics, 95 percent of cancer can be treated with early detection.

“However, cancer can be difficult to treat once it has entered the fourth stage,” he said.