Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1701408445:20
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 227
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 140976
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 20
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-97695
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-97695
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 599
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_metadesc] => Array
        (
            [0] => The Health Ministry should have allowed the constitutionality of the Generational Endgame provision to be debated in Parliament instead of removing it completely from the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023, said the Malaysian Medical Association.
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 30
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1750998190";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:4;i:1;}}i:5;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:6;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 4
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1750998190
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:106:"Health Ministry disregarded recommendations by parliamentary special select committee, its president says ";}
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [_wp_page_template] => Array
        (
            [0] => default
        )

)
MMA criticises GEG elimination, says should have been debated in Parliament | Scoop
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz says that despite the bill prohibiting the sale of tobacco and vape products to minors, there is no strategy in place to achieve a smoke-free Malaysia, a cause that the Health Ministry should champion. – Alif Omar/Scoop pic, December 1, 2023
News

MMA criticises GEG elimination, says should have been debated in Parliament

Health Ministry disregarded recommendations by parliamentary special select committee, its president says

Scoop Reporters
Updated
1:25 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry should have allowed the constitutionality of the Generational Endgame (GEG) provision to be debated in Parliament instead of removing it completely from the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023, said the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said the ministry disregarded the recommendations by the parliamentary special select committee to include the GEG provision.

“While the bill (that was passed) does prohibit the sale of tobacco and vape products to minors, it fails to indicate or even suggest a strategy to achieve a smoke-free (cigarette or vape free) Malaysia, which the ministry should be championing.”

The GEG refers to a lifetime ban on smoking for anyone born on January 1, 2007 and after.

The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 was passed at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday after a heated two-day debate over the exclusion of GEG, among others.

The MMA also underscored the absence of the term “smoking devices” in the new legislation.

“We are aware of a proposal for smoking devices to be regulated by the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry, but we are of the view that smoking devices and vape liquids and gels will be best regulated by the Health Ministry to avoid overlaps in enforcement.

“Moreover, there are disposable smoking devices sold on the market that come ready-made with the device already containing the liquid. This may be an issue if enforcement is carried out by two separate ministries,” said Azizan.

The MMA also hoped for an explanation on the reduction of the fine imposed for smoking in smoke-free zones from RM10,000 (or imprisonment of up to 2 years) to RM5,000 (no imprisonment).

“Is the Health Ministry taking a softer stance on the harmful effects of cigarette smoke on public health?

“We also hope to see a stronger commitment from the ministry towards public health education through more extensive anti-smoking and anti-vaping campaigns”. – December 1, 2023

Topics

 

◉ Popular

A man with fire in his belly: Jagdeep remembers his father Karpal’s strength in the face of disability

Despite paralysis from a tragic accident, the DAP stalwart remained a fearless fighter—his legacy now upheld by his son

Daim’s lawyers slam police for ‘failing’ to probe PM over Bloomberg’s power abuse claims

Counsel for former finance minister question why news agency and reporters are being probed instead

Pendirian AGC konsisten, RUU GEG tidak berperlembagaan

Jabatan Peguam Negara secara konsisten berpandangan bahawa Rang Undang-Undang Kawalan Produk Merokok Demi Kesihatan Awam 2023 atau RUU Generasi Penamat (GEG) adalah tidak berperlembagaan (unconstitutional).

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.