KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no plans to reinstate the previously halted anti-smoking generational endgame (GEG) policy.
The Health Ministry said in a parliamentary written reply that it is instead focusing on strict regulatory measures to curb smoking among youths.
The ministry said the sale and use of smoking products among minors are already prohibited under Sections 13 and 17 of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
"The Generational Endgame policy is not being implemented for now," it added.
The ministry noted that its current strategy involves stringent regulatory measures under the same Act.
"These include mandatory product registration, bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, sales control, and smoking prohibitions in designated non-smoking areas.
"Our priority is to protect young people from the dangers of smoking by enforcing these regulations," it said.
Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena) had asked about the ministry's consideration for reinstating the GEG policy.
The policy, which was halted, aimed to create a smoke-free generation by prohibiting the sale and use of tobacco and smoking products (including e-cigarettes and vapes) to individuals born on or after Jan 1, 2007.
This policy was a key component of the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022.
The GEG provisions were later removed before the Bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat .
