Health Ministry launches survey on anti-smoking generational endgame

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has launched a survey to gather public feedback on the generational endgame that would ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after Jan 1, 2007.

It said that the survey is open to all Malaysians through the MySejahtera app starting Wednesday (Oct 11), adding that it can be downloaded through an update available on the Google Play store for Android or the Apple App Store for iOS

"The survey covers a range of topics, including the public's views on the health risk of smoking, the generational endgame provision, and the Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health Bill 2023," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

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"The generational endgame will not affect existing smokers or vapers but will effectively create a generation of Malaysians who will be protected from nicotine addiction and the harmful effects of smoking throughout their lives," it added.

It said that the generational endgame is one of the provisions of the Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health Bill 2023 that is being finalised

"The Bill is aimed at ensuring comprehensive regulation on all types of smoking products including electronic cigarettes and vape," said the ministry.

It added that the existing controls under the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations (CTPR) 2004 only regulate tobacco-based smoking products.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa urged all Malaysians to complete the survey, saying everyone needs to play a role and support the government’s efforts in presenting this Bill and the GEG provision through this survey.

She said the provision is a bold piece of legislation that has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing tobacco use and smoking-related deaths in Malaysia.

"This is how we will protect our youth, loved ones and those around us from the dangers of smoking by preventing addiction in the first place," added Dr Zaliha.