KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 — MPs from both sides of the political divide have given mixed reactions to the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill, which, among others, removes the generational end-game (GEG) provision.
Although in support of the bill, they also want provisions related to the ban on the sale of tobacco products and cigarettes, as well as the smoking ban for those born on January 1, 2007, to be reinstated following the surge in the number of young smokers.
Batu MP P. Prabakaran said he would not give up on pressuring the government to continue with the GEG provision in the future, but the bill should be approved as the first step towards achieving the GEG.
Clauses 13(1) and 13(3) of the bill stipulate a prohibition on selling and buying tobacco products, smoking materials, tobacco substitute products, or providing any services for smoking to minors.
While tabling the bill for the second reading today, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the bill must be enforced not only to address gaps in existing legislation but also to protect non-smokers from the side effects of cigarette smoke, especially children and those defined as minors.
Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi said it would be difficult to reduce the smoking prevalence from 21 per cent to five per cent by 2045 without the GEG.
Putrajaya MP Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin wanted Dr Zaliha to explain the reason for dropping the GEG provision, which he said goes against the Federal Constitution.
Meanwhile, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman said despite the GEG removal, the bill should be approved because it brings significant changes in enhancing control and enforcement in the tobacco industry, and added that society must also play a role in keeping minors from smoking and vaping.
The sitting continues tomorrow.
— Bernama
