Experts Urge Review of Tobacco Inter-generational Endgame Law in Malaysia

Aug.17.2022
Experts Urge Review of Tobacco Inter-generational Endgame Law in Malaysia
A Malaysian think tank urges parliament to review the proposed tobacco law to remove criminalizing smoking for those born after 2007.

A Malaysian think tank has urged the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSSC) to review the Tobacco Control and Smoking (GEG) Bill to remove Section 17, which criminalizes the use of tobacco products and smoking devices for those born in or after 2007. The provision also extends to electronic cigarettes.


Source: Butenkow


Azrul Mohd Khalib, the CEO of the Galen Health and Social Policy Center, has stated that the law should place pressure on retailers and companies to bear the responsibility of not selling or supplying tobacco and e-cigarette products to the Generation E Generation (GEG).


In a statement, Azrul expressed concerns that Article 17 of the proposed legislation could lead to selective prosecution and stigmatization of certain groups in need of support. He also acknowledged that despite efforts to enforce the rules, people within the GEG community may still smoke or become addicted to nicotine through e-cigarettes. The statement raises the question of whether or not punitive measures should be taken against such individuals.


Legislation should ensure that it is a crime to sell or supply tobacco or e-cigarette products to anyone born after January 1, 2007. Azrul emphasized that anyone addicted to nicotine has the right to equal treatment under the law, with compassion and dignity. He said the proposed GEG bill should not disproportionately affect young people, low-income groups, and vulnerable populations.


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