Health Ministry Set to Table Smoking Product Control Bill on June 12
Dr Zaliha also described the newly proposed bill as “more comprehensive”, as it encompasses not only traditional smoking products but also “next generation” smoking products such as electronic and combustible cigarettes.
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The Health Ministry plans to reintroduce the eagerly awaited Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill to Parliament on June 12 for its initial review.
According to reports by Malay Mail, its Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa also clarified that there are no uncertainties about the timetable for tabling the Bill.
It is not true that there is uncertainty on the timeline for the tabling of the Bill.
Dr Zaliha Mustafa
Dr Zaliha also described the newly proposed bill as “more comprehensive”, as it encompasses not only traditional smoking products but also “next generation” smoking products such as electronic and combustible cigarettes.
The bill includes a provision called Generation Eluding Guidelines (GEG), which applies to individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.
She also added that the implementation of the law will be carried out in stages.
Once the bill is passed, individuals falling under the GEG category will be prohibited from using conventional cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, and rolled cigarettes. However, the ban on cigarettes with heating devices will be gradually phased in after sufficient education and awareness campaigns by the ministry. This approach aims to educate the GEG cohort rather than solely impose penalties.
Dr Zaliha Mustafa
According to Dr Zaliha, the proposed time frame suggests that the law should be fully implemented, covering all types of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes, by 2030.
Furthermore, she added that the 2023 version of the bill incorporates amendments suggested by the Parliamentary Special Committee (PSSC) from the previous year.
These amendments include reducing the maximum fine for GEG offenders from RM5,000 to RM500 and introducing community service as a means of education and raising awareness.
Dr Zaliha Mustafa
According to the bill, the GEG group will also be prohibited from selling, buying, and using smoking products.
Additionally, the bill accommodates the PSSC’s recommendation to remove the offense of personal possession of tobacco or vape products by the GEG group.
This eliminates the need for body searches by law enforcement authorities. The new bill also limits the enforcement powers of authorities to the manufacturing, packaging, storage, delivery, distribution, or sale of tobacco products.
Dr Zaliha Mustafa
The initial version of the bill, previously known as “The Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill 2022,” was initially presented in Parliament in July of the previous year.
It has been reported that by 2030, the government could spend RM8 billion on treating lung cancer, heart problems, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease resulting from cigarette smoking.
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