New Straits Times

Coffee shops say proposed smoking ban will bite into their business

9 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Coffee shop operators have raised concerns that the government's proposal to ban smoking and possession of tobacco products for those born after 2005 would bite into their business. Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors' General Association (MSCSPGA) president Wong Teu Hoon said the proposal would not deter smokers since illegal cigarettes are easily available in the market. Instead, he said, coffee shop owners and other retail businesses would be forced to bear compliance costs if the tobacco product display ban comes into effect.