Health Ministry must opt for pragmatism

REFERRING to the report “COP10 a platform to gain support for anti-smoking legislation” (The Star, Sept 19), I applaud our Health Ministry’s commitment in supporting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) agenda.

“We understand that this convention is not just a legal framework; it is a pledge to safeguard the health and well-being of our people, and it transcends borders and boundaries.

“It is a collective commitment to protect the present and future generations from the harms of tobacco,” said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The keyword is “collective commitment”, and it involves not just the Health Ministry and its international partners but also individuals, including smokers. The latter need to understand the harms of tobacco while the former must learn what can be done to assist them if they find it hard to quit smoking.

The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 estimates that 4.9 million Malaysians aged 15 years and older currently smoke. They comprise 17.4% of boys and girls in the 13 to 15 age group, and 24% of boys and girls aged 15 to 19.

Section 57(2)(b) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 proposes that children who commit offences under this law “shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred ringgit or be ordered to perform community service pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Code or the Child Act 2001.”

Imagine teenagers being convicted of smoking and carrying the baggage of the “crime” for the rest of their lives!

We all know that smoking is bad, but it is a choice that people make. If we declare it an offence, we will be penalising people for the choice they make.

Personally, I don’t believe in the prohibitionist approach. Gone are the days when it worked. Today, we should embrace the acceptance approach. In this case, accept the fact that smoking is a choice. Understand why people smoke and help them to lead a healthier life. Believe it or not, they know that smoking is bad!

As a mother, I have learnt to accept that my child is a smoker. It was tough in the beginning because the more I advised him against smoking, the more he ignored me. I resorted to watching videos on parenting and learned about ways to deal with the situation.

I accepted my child for what he is and did not penalise him for the choice he made. But I read a lot about smoking and successfully helped him to transition to a less harmful alternative within three months. I’m very hopeful that he will totally quit smoking soon.

I urge the Health Ministry to be pragmatic. Do what is needed for the future of our children and nation, but avoid taking the prohibitionist approach.

JAGANESWARY

Klang