The tobacco and vape generational end game (GEG) provisions, which were snuffed out from the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill, may see the light of day again with the reappointment of Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad as health minister.
Dzulkefly, who is taking over the health portfolio from Dr Zaliha Mustafa, had previously vowed to “fight to bring back the implementation of GEG at a more reasonable time”.
According to Parliament’s Hansard, Dzulkefly, the chairperson of the Health Parliamentary Special Select Committee, had on Nov 29 expressed disappointment over the removal of the GEG clause in the bill.
While acknowledging the imperfections of the bill, he urged lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to support the bill at that time.
“We have to accept that we have to postpone our desire to become a world and global leader in opposing Big Tobacco.
“I still implore all MPs to take responsibility to shoulder a big task as legislators in the august house.
“For the first time, a standalone legislation is being enacted to control and regulate not only cigarettes but also tobacco products, smoking substances and substitute tobacco products including vape,” Dzulkefly (above) said.
The revised bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 30 after an extensive and challenging process since it was proposed for the first time in 2022 by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Previously, Khairy had accused several ministers of blocking the legislation aimed at making it illegal for those born after 2007 to buy or consume nicotine products.
He said the cabinet’s handling of the matter was “absolutely shambolic”.
When the GEG provisions were dropped from the bill, Khairy congratulated the big tobacco and vape industry, claiming that the latter had “won”.
Meanwhile, when Dzulkefly helmed the health portfolio from 2018 to 2020 under the Pakatan Harapan administration, his ministry imposed a smoking ban in the Parliament building and expanded the ban from indoor restaurants to open-air eateries.
A fine of up to RM10,000 or three years’ jail will be imposed on both customers and premises owners who fail to observe the ban.
In related development, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) congratulated the Kuala Selangor parliamentarian on returning to his old job.
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, in a statement today, expressed confidence that Dzulkefly is well-equipped to address the complex issues and challenges within the healthcare system.
“MMA had a good working relationship with Dzulkefly. He was willing to listen to the views of experts and held regular engagements with stakeholders on policy decisions.
“He was also willing to make unpopular decisions when needed, (like the smoking ban at eateries), to protect public health.
“The MMA expresses confidence that Dzulkefly will perform his duties well as he had done before,” Azizan said. - Mkini
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