This follows a news report by a Sabah daily that Sarawak has autonomy on the matter and it does not have to follow the ban imposed by Putrajaya on all eateries, hawker stalls and open-air shops from Jan 1.
Smokers are only allowed to smoke 3m away from the eateries.
Offenders can be fined RM10,000 or jailed two years. Restaurant owners can also be fined RM5,000 or six months jail if they allow smoking on their premises.
Dzulkefly said he had contacted Local Government and Housing Minister Dr Sim Kui Hian to clarify the matter.
Earlier, Bernama quoted Sim as saying Sarawak will enforce the smoking ban in accordance with local laws.
“Sarawak will have our own smoking ban, taking into consideration our circumstances and our laws.
“Just like immigration, we have our own immigration rights.
“As a cardiologist, I have been advocating the anti-smoking habit my whole professional life and will continue to do so,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment with the sensationalised misrepresentation that Sarawak is not supporting anti-smoking efforts.
“Smoking is very bad for health not only for smokers but also for non-smokers (due to second-hand smoke).”