GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) is disappointed with several members of parliament (MPs) who do not support the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.
CAP education and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow urged these MPs not to gamble with the lives of the future generation.
"CAP is disappointed with some prominent MPs, from certain political parties, who refused to support the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.
"They should not practice the 'wait and see' attitude. They must realise that they are gambling with the lives of the future generation, especially young children.
"In a survey conducted by CAP, it was found that more and more young children, including young girls from secondary schools, are addicted to vape and e-cigarettes, while the youth are increasing their smoking habits.
"These children and youth are spending more money for this habits," he said today.
Subbarow said CAP does not understand why these elected representatives did not want to support the most healthy bill but wanted to "wait and see".
"It is very saddening to hear these MPs, who are elected by Malaysians, do not want to support a life-saving bill.
"The bill is a breath of fresh air for the future youth generation.
"If these MPs do not support this bill, we may see more and more young people will be addicted to nicotine and other drugs," he added.
Subbarow said CAP's survey also revealed that vape and e- cigarettes were becoming like "lollipops" to children due to the fruity flavours of the liquids.
According to WHO there are 16,000 chemical flavours on the market.
"We want full support from all MPs on the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.
"CAP is calling for a complete ban on the sale, import and manufacturing of alternative tobacco products if necessary," he said.
It was reported that with minimal backing from MPs on either side of the political divide, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin would probably have difficulty getting his ambitious proposal to outlaw tobacco and e-cigarettes for future generations through Parliament.
In a CodeBlue poll conducted last Monday, only 12 lawmakers, or 30 per cent of respondents, said they would vote for the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill out of the 220-member Dewan Rakyat's 40 MPs from the Opposition and the government backbench.