KUALA LUMPUR: More non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have joined growing calls for members of parliament (MPs) to unanimously support the Health Ministry's proposed Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.
The Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) said in a statement today that as responsible elected representatives who were voted by the people, the MPS must demonstrate courageous political will and true statesmanship to help implement the bill.
It said that by supporting the bill, it will create a truly impactful and lasting health legacy for our nation.
"LCNM strongly urges all MPs to seize the moment and secure their place in history by courageously supporting this proposed phased generational tobacco ban.
"While for the government, they must then ensure strict but fair, consistent and sustained enforcement of the law.
"As dedicated clinicians, we can only impact and save one life at a time. However, as respected lawmakers, MPs have this opportune moment to implement a once-in-a-lifetime defining preventative legislation that will benefit future generations of Malaysians.
"The time to act is now," read the statement.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tabled the bill for its first reading at Dewan Rakyat.
The second reading is scheduled to be held tomorrow, and voting may take place on Tuesday.
The bill, among others, seeks to ban smoking and prohibit the ownership of tobacco and vape products by those born after 2007.
Previously, Khairy said the country would have to spend RM8 billion to treat lung cancer, heart problems and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases by 2030.
A similar call was also made by the Drug Prevention Association of Malaysia (Pemadam), urging all MPs to support the bill, which aims at protecting public health and Malaysian families from the danger of smoking products.
"It is high time that Malaysia has a special act on tobacco products and smoking, instead of being included in the Food Act 1983 and the existing Control of Tobacco Product Regulations.
"The bill is in the interest of public health of Malaysian society, especially the younger generation.
"The tobacco generational endgame will ensure that the next generation can live healthier, and be more productive and more competitive for the sake of national progress," said Pemadam.