JOHOR BARU: Parents are breathing a sigh of relief as they welcome the government’s plan to ban smoking and vaping among their children, saying they hope the proposed Bill will turn into a law as soon as possible.
Mother of two Nurul Aisha Mohd Yusoff, 35, said she agreed with the proposed Tobacco and Smoking Bill as it was a good initiative that could improve the health and well-being of future generations.
“As a mother, I am worried about my children’s health, especially as my eldest daughter suffers from asthma and has been hospitalised in the past.
“I do not want them to ever explore and get addicted to smoking and vaping, but there is only so much I can do to avoid them from being influenced into doing so.
“I cannot control their movement all the time and dictate who they can and cannot be friends with, especially as they grow older.
“If such a law could be put in place, I believe the chances of my children taking up the habit would be reduced significantly,” she said.
The student management assistant said her two children were aged five and nine.
“If the law does get implemented in the future, I hope it can also reduce the number of people smoking in public areas, which may harm the health of others, especially those with asthma like my daughter,” said Nurul Aisha.
Chuan Kim Song, also a mother of two, said it was a bold plan that could prevent future generations from suffering from health complications due to the habit.
“Once a person starts smoking, it is very difficult for them to kick the habit. It is best if we can prevent our children from taking up smoking altogether.
“My two sons are 21 and 17. They are at an impressionable age and can easily develop the habit from friends and others around them.
“Parents will be more at ease if they know that it is difficult for their children to get cigarettes. It is a good deterrence and I hope the Bill will be passed in Parliament,” said the 45-year-old businesswoman.
Mother of three Wolni Jungin, 38, said it would help her ensure her children, nephews and nieces stay away from smoking and vaping.
“I have family members who have suffered health consequences from years of smoking and their attempts to quit have not been successful,” said the housewife.
The proposed Bill, dubbed the Generational End Game, is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament next week.
Health Ministry Khairy Jamaluddin has urged all MPs to throw their support behind the Bill and not delay its implementation.
