SHAH ALAM: Support must be given to efforts to protect and preserve the health of future generations of Malaysians through the tabling of the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill, says the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said he feels that the matter is a noble endeavour and hopes that all Malaysians will give their support so that this Bill can be studied and scrutinised.
“For its execution, we leave it to the government. They will decide how and when to implement the Bill when it is passed,” His Majesty said when opening the National Institutes of Health Complex in Setia Alam here yesterday.
On Aug 2, a motion to refer the Bill to a Parliament Special Select Committee was passed by the Dewan Rakyat.
A helping hand: Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah at the opening of the National Institutes of Health in Setia Alam inspecting a robot system used to assist frontliners. Looking on are Khairy (left) and Dr Noor Hisham (right). — KK SHAM/The Star
The committee will look into the enforcement clause as well as proposed penalties under the Bill, otherwise known as the tobacco generational end game (GEG).
Sultan Abdullah said the Bill is crucial to ensure the health of future generations.
“We need to educate the younger generation to take good care of their health, which in return could reduce the activities that could be harmful towards public health.
“And most importantly, the Health Ministry can reduce their spending on providing treatment (for tobacco-related diseases),” His Majesty said.
Also present during the event were Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
