Don’t just issue warnings, take action to curb smoking, say advocates
PETALING JAYA: Strong enforcement is the key to curb smoking, health advocates say, as the much delayed anti-smoking law will be enforced on Oct 1 – almost a year after it was passed in Parliament.
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) president Dr M. Murallitharan said it has taken some years to arrive to this day since the first draft of the anti-smoking Bill was brought to Parliament by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
The group, he said, is “very relieved” that the regulations are finally going to be enforced and both conventional cigarettes and new smoking products such as vapes and e-cigarettes will be regulated.
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“I think there has been more than enough time for all parties to be prepared and do the needful for the industry to gain. To call for more time to enforce I think it is not really an honest ask,” he said.
“I think enough time has passed and the sale of vape and e-cigarettes continues to be a problem, especially for minors. Only with the implementation of this law will control finally come into effect.”
He said the industry too needs to understand that it has been operating in a grey area and this is the price to pay for legalisation.
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Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) will take effect on Oct 1.
The Act covers regulations on the registration, sale, packaging, labelling and the prohibition of smoking in public places.
The rules and orders that will be enforced include electronic cigarettes.
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The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 30 last year. It received royal assent on Jan 24 this year and was published in the Federal Gazette on Feb 2.
Consumers Association of Penang senior education officer and anti-smoking activist NV Subbarow said the enforcement of Act 852 must be stringent.
“Act 852 will definitely save millions of young lives who are addicted to smoking and vaping, which could eventually lead to drug addiction,” he said.
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“The enforcement of the Act must be effective. It shouldn’t be just about issuing warnings. Action must be taken,” he said.
“Another issue is vaping and using e-cigarettes at no smoking zones. Many vapers feel that it’s only for smoking cigarettes,” he said while lamenting the lack of strict action.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association tobacco and smoking control coordinator, Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, said there has been a vacuum in the regulatory regime, with outdated standards.
“The lack of regulation for smoking substance has led to the use of vape and e-cigarettes among children.
“We hope under the new regulation all display of smoking products will be banned at all points of sale and no form of advertisement will be featured at all vape shops,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the influence of lobby from the vape and tobacco industry.
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2023 found that there has been a 600% increase in the number of e-cigarette users in the country over the past 12 years.
The study pointed out that the prevalence of e-cigarette or vape use among those in the 15-24 age group increased from 1.1% in 2011 to 8.6% last year.
It also found that about 60% of smokers between the ages of 20 and 34 had their first puff before turning 18.
