Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - Banjarmasin Mayor Ibnu Sina reiterated his government commitment to implement non-smoking zones (or what calleed KTR) as is stipulated in the city's regional regulation (perda).
The city, he said, has already the regulation, Perda No.7 of 2013, and he urged all components of society to support its implementation.
"The commitment to apply non-smoking zone is very important to protect our health, especially for the next generation. We have to assured that children and teenagers are avoided from the danger of cigarettes and their negative impact," he stated as he opened Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the implementation of KTR held by Health Office in Banjarmasin on June 12, 2024.
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Ibnu Sina explained that since 2018 the city government of Banjarmasin has taken drastic steps by eliminating cigarette advertising from protocol roads, even though it resulted in revenue losses.
"In 2018, I still remember very well that we rejected Rp4 billion (revenue) per year from cigarette ad on main roads. Maybe, there are still some in remote parts of the cty, but on the main roads we have prepared a task force to carry out raids. Don't let it slip," he said.
The Mayor invited the entire community, including business owners and community leaders, to support the city government's efforts to create KTRs that are healthy and comfortable for all residents.
He insisted on compliance with regulations prohibiting smoking in public places, such as offices, government agencies, public open spaces, and public services as very important.
Ibnu Sina reminded that even though there is a clear rule regarding non-smoking areas, there needs to be awareness and cooperation from the whole community to implement this rule.
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