The Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) has expressed disappointment over the government's decision to defer the second reading of the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill, according to a report by the Malaysian Mail on October 17th.
The MHC has expressed its refusal to accept the government's reasons for postponing the submission process of the bill, which was originally scheduled for October 10. The organization stated, "We believe that this delay is a betrayal of the health of Malaysians." Additionally, they added that lawmakers concerned about tobacco control must raise their voices and oppose the delay.
We call on them to urge the government to respect the people's right to a smoke-free lifestyle. We also call on them to demonstrate their commitment to the World Health Organization's (WHO) endorsed Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which Malaysia has already ratified.
Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, the Minister of Health, subsequently stated that the decision was made based on several suggestions put forward during recent meetings with government and non-governmental stakeholders, which need further consideration.
The Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) states that the "Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Act" is a significant measure in Malaysia's efforts to address smoking and e-cigarette issues, which not only impact public health but also have implications for the country's economy, society, and environment.
We are deeply concerned about the current situation, which indicates that smoking and e-cigarettes continue to be a serious public health issue in Malaysia, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
According to data from the World Health Organization, approximately 20,000 people in Malaysia die each year from tobacco-related diseases. The smoking prevalence in Malaysia stands at 22.5%, with an additional 18% of teenagers reported as smokers.
It further stated, "Within this demographic, the use of e-cigarettes has also seen an increase, with approximately 15% of teenagers admitting to using e-cigarettes or similar nicotine substitute products.
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