Stricter smoking regulations proposed this time by the Department of Health have become a reason of huge outrage amongst MPs, a recent report has unveiled.

MPs are simply claiming that the new plans of a blanket ban on smoking are baseless. However, Vimla Moodley, who is the health promotion director at the health department, says that the decision has been taken keeping in mind the protection of non-smokers.

Since, they were complaining for long that existing laws are not adequate and need reforms like introduction of a ban at indoor smoking areas. It has been decided to implement the plan by the end of this year following a review of public submissions on the regulations.

As per the findings, the new Tobacco Products Control Act would see smoking in any building as criminalization. Also, whether it is a public or private beach, park or walkway, an outdoor venue or within 10m of any doorway, people could not smoke.

He was quoted as saying, “You find that at many places, mothers go into the smoking areas with young children. We are hoping that with new regulations, we are going to see less of this”.

Despite the criticisms, tests on efficiency of warning labels with that on pictures on tobacco products are being conducted, the report finds.