Khairy: Proposal to ban the sale of smoking products to those born after 2005 in the works

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry plans to ban smoking products for those born after 2005, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

Speaking at the 150th Session of the WHO's Executive Board Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday (Jan 26), the Health Minister said that he hopes legislation would be passed this year.

“This is by making it illegal for the sale of tobacco and other smoking products to anyone born after 2005,” he said.

He added that this would bring about a significant impact on the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Previously, Khairy said that he would table a new Tobacco and Smoking Control Act in the upcoming Parliament to regulate ecigarettes and vape products alongside enforcing a “Generation End-Game” for smoking in the long run.

The initiative takes a page from New Zealand's new law to ban cigarette sales for future generates through implementing phases of restrictions in cigarette sales and use, starting from 2024.

Various NGOs including Ikram Health Association, MyWatch, the Malaysian Pharmacy Association and the National Cancer Society have thrown their support over the proposed bill, urging bipartisan support for it.