The group, “Defenders of Smokers’ Rights”, filed for a review today, a day before the government’s decision comes into effect at open-air restaurants.

The group claimed the ban infringed their rights under the constitution, citing that “smoking is not a criminal activity under Malaysian laws”.

“The government did not take any step to meet smokers and listen to our grouses before making the decision to impose the ban,” it said.

The group said the government had collected a large amount in taxes from tobacco companies, and they had never imposed a ban on smoking in the past.

Previously, the group said they wanted to meet the health ministry over the ban.

It said the smoking ban was unreasonable because the government was still collecting taxes from the tobacco industry.

Those caught smoking in restaurants will be fined RM10,000 while restaurant operators failing to adhere to the ban will be fined RM2,500.