By Amar Shah Mohsen
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 – The generational endgame (GEG) provision, which was omitted in the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill, may be reconsidered in the future if the need arises.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said this in her winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat today moments before the bill – which prohibits the sale of tobacco products, smoking substances, or substitute tobacco products to minors – was passed in the lower House.
She said her ministry will monitor the necessity to revive the GEG, which was meant to impose a blanket ban on smoking for those born after 2007, over the coming years.
“Pertaining to the omission of the GEG element, which has raised various questions, we will monitor the efficiency of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill in reducing the prevalence of smoking.
“God willing, if there is a need in the future, we can relook at the GEG provision,” she said.
Earlier in her speech, Dr Zaliha said despite the removal of the GEG element, it is still pertinent that the bill be passed to ensure the formulation of a standalone and comprehensive act to regulate the sale of tobacco and substitute products.
This, she said, is crucial to address the rising usage of electronic cigarettes and vapes among the population.
“The current Control of Tobacco Products Regulations 2004 under the Food Act 1983 is insufficient to control and regulate these new smoking devices.
“Additionally, this new bill is important to shut any loopholes in the existing laws pertaining to smoking.
“Like I said earlier, the important thing today is to pass the bill first and foremost, and this must be done immediately,” she said.
The Control of Smoking Products and Public Health 2023 Bill was passed via a simple voice vote today after 27 MPs took part in the debate session.
Dr Zaliha expressed appreciation to former health ministers, namely Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Khairy Jamaluddin, for their efforts in tackling the smoking issue and helping to develop the bill.
Dewan Rakyat also passed the Food (Amendment) 2023 Bill to amend the Food Act 1983, in line with the approval of the Control of Smoking Products and Public Health 2023 Bill.
