The Malaysian world heritage city of Malacca will be smoke-free from Wednesday next week, a first for the country, the health minister said yesterday.
The move was to bring in more tourists and help stamp out smoking in a country where the habit is widespread, Malaysian Minister of Health Liow Tiong Lai (廖中萊) said, saying that it would also help preserve the city.
“The idea is to create fresh air and a clean environment for tourists and Malaysians alike to enjoy the historic city,” he said. “It will also aid in preserving the old monuments and buildings as the ban will reduce pollution in the area and promote a healthy lifestyle.”
The no-smoking area covers the entire 4.2km2 of the city and four other areas in the southern state of Malacca.
“These areas will be free from cigarette smoke and make Malacca City the first smoking-free city in the country,” the minister said. “Those caught will be hit with a fine of 300 ringgit [US$100] although the maximum penalty is 5,000 ringgit.”
Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam told the Star daily that the state was also serious about declaring more tourist destinations in the state smoke-free zones.
With more than 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West, Malacca’s multicultural heritage is seen in its ornately designed government buildings, churches and forts. It is where the Malay sultanate originated in the 15th century, before being invaded by the Portuguese and Dutch in the early 16th century.
In 2008, UNESCO included Malacca and Georgetown, on the resort island of Penang, in its world heritage list, but there have been recent concerns the southern port city could be de-listed because of redevelopment in its historic quarter.
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