Apology for Exclusion: Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2023

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Dec.25.2023

Apology for Exclusion: Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2023

Malaysia's Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, apologizes for not including the "Gen Excluded from Smoking" policy in the Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2023.

According to a report by the Malaysian media outlet Borneo Post on January 24th, the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, admitted that he does not have the authority to implement a nationwide smoking ban as he is not the Minister of Religion. However, he emphasized his responsibility as the Minister of Health to ensure that smokers and their actions do not harm non-smokers, as smoking is detrimental to health.

Zulfikar also serves as the Chief Strategist of the Integrity Party. At the Integrity Party's 2023 National Congress, he responded to representatives' proposal, the "2023 Public Health Tobacco Control Bill." He once again apologized to party delegates for not including the "Generation Excluded from Smoking" (GEG) policy in the legislation, which aimed at achieving a smoke-free generation.

On the 30th of last month, the "2023 Public Health Tobacco Product Control Bill" was passed in the lower house of Parliament through a voice vote. However, it is worth noting that this bill has removed the previously set GEG policy, which prohibited the smoking and possession of tobacco products for individuals born after 2007. The policy has now been replaced with a ban on individuals under the age of 18 purchasing tobacco products, tobacco alternatives, and smoking devices.

References:

[1] 祖基菲里：我并非宗教司可指示禁烟　但有责任保障非吸烟群体

Also Read:

[1] Malaysian Parliament Passes 2023 Public Health Control of Smoking Products Act

[2] Challenge of Keeping Students Away from Disposable E-Cigarettes in Malaysia

[3] Malaysia's New Health Minister Exclude GEG Clause in 2023 Smoking Control Bill

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Asia #Malaysia #Public health #Health #Tobacco Control Plan

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