A lot has been said about smokers' rights, but I want to stand up for the right of non-smokers to enjoy healthy clean air.

It is now a proven fact that inhaling second-hand smoke can have the same harmful effects on health as smoking a cigarette, that is lung cancer, heart disease, diabetes and much more.

This being the case, it is only logical for the Government to protect the public from any possible harmful effects in the environment.

Therefore, keeping Orchard smoke free, so everyone, young and old, can enjoy clean healthy air is logical and timely.

It should not stop here. This should be only the first step towards a clean healthy air environment for all Singaporeans.

Let smokers enjoy their right to smoke in their own homes and not infringe on the right of others to enjoy a good healthy environment in public.

Reducing the harmful effects of smoking will result not only in a healthier nation but also a large reduction of expenditure on health care.

George Wong Seow Choon (Dr)