SEVERAL MPs have given the thumbs up for generational end game laws to prohibit smoking among youths soon.
Larry Sng (PBM-Julau) said he supported the effort to prevent smoking from becoming a habit among the nation’s youths.
“Smoking does not bring any health benefits, and it is only through legislation can we stem out this cancerous habit in our society,” he said.
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) said the proposed law was timely as it would help protect young Malaysians from developing health problems due to smoking.
“It is a very good move to table the Bill and we must all support it,” he said.
Based on a study, about 49% of adult males in Malaysia are smokers, and over 20,000 deaths a year are due to cigarette-related diseases.
“This data should give rise to worry among us,” he said.
However, Ahmad Fadhli said there must also be education awareness programmes and clarity on how the law would be enforced.
Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) said the tabling of the Bill was the right step forward.
“This marks a new beginning for our youth. It will stop an entire generation from smoking, which is a step in the right direction,” he said.
However, he said the anti-smoking initiative should not lead to the government curbing other liberties.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PH-Setiawangsa) also supported the smoking ban.
“It is an intervention needed for the future of young Malaysians,” he said.
However, he said that the government needs to beef up enforcement of the law to effectively curb the smoking habit among the young.
Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-Permatang Pauh) said she would vote to support the Bill.
However, she noted that she would continue to push the authorities to clamp down on the sale of illicit cigarettes.
The Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill 2022 was tabled in Parliament by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, paving the way for generational end-game laws to prohibit smoking among youths.
The proposed law will prohibit those born on Jan 1, 2007, and onwards from smoking.
This includes banning sales of tobacco and related products to this future generation.
