The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) wants the government to revisit the tobacco and vape generational endgame (GEG) provisions, which were removed from the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill.
This followed Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni’s disclosure on Thursday that the removal of the provisions was heavily influenced by lobbying by tobacco and vape industry representatives.
In a statement, MPS president Amrahi Buang expressed the group’s disappointment over lobbyists impacting the legislative decision-making process, which he said had undermined efforts to protect public health.
“The MPS reaffirms its unwavering support for the GEG initiative, a critical step towards a smoke-free Malaysia. We call on policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the community at large to stand united against external pressures that prioritise profit over the health of our nation’s citizens.
“We urge the government to revisit the discussions around the GEG provision, considering the long-term benefits of such policies for the health and well-being of Malaysians.
“It is imperative that we adopt a transparent, evidence-based approach to policy making, where public health interests are safeguarded against industry manipulation,” he said in the statement released on Friday.
Reinstate nicotine liquid in Poisons List
Adding further, Amrahi said they also want Putrajaya to reconsider its decision last year to remove nicotine liquid from the Poisons List.
According to MPS, healthcare professionals have raised concerns over the decision, which they said had potentially undermined efforts to regulate substances that pose significant health risks.
“Reinstating nicotine liquid into the Poisons List would align with best practices in public health and ensure comprehensive control over harmful substances,” Amrahi said.
On Thursday, Lukanisman told the Dewan Rakyat that lobbyists had met directly with MPs ahead of the bill’s debates, swaying their views against the endgame measure aimed at creating a smoke-free future generation.
“On pressure from the industry - we need support from all quarters.
“If we look at our experience when we tabled the GEG, a conflict of views arose due to industry pressure - the industry (members) entered Parliament and they met MPs which influenced the decision,” he reportedly said in response to Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali’s supplementary question during the Ministers’ Question Time. - Mkini
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