KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has raised concerns regarding Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, highlighting his apparent lack of fundamental understanding of the hazards of smoking, despite abundant scientific evidence compiled over years of global research.
Its president, Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz emphasised that smoking is a serious public health concern globally.
"According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco kills more than eight million people each year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Tobacco also kills up to half of its users who don't quit.
"In Malaysia, it is estimated that 20,000 deaths attributed to smoking occur each year. We urge the minister to thoroughly examine the available facts," Dr Azizan said in a statement.
She also defended the criticism to former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin by the tourism minister, deeming it unjust.
"In our evaluation, KJ demonstrated excellence in his role as a health minister, with his leadership crucial in steering the country out of the pandemic.
"He displayed courage in making unpopular decisions for the greater good, as evidenced by his initiative—the generational endgame (GEG) bill, aimed at preventing future generations of smokers.
"It is regrettable that this forward-thinking effort faces opposition rather than support from the current government," she added.
Previously, Tiong said it looked like Khairy could not accept the decision that the proposed GEG bill was unconstitutional and unenforceable.
Tiong raised questions about the potential repercussions of hastily implementing the bill.
"If this matter is done in haste and ends up with all sorts of weaknesses, criticisms and a surge in public complaints, who should we blame?"
He further criticised Khairy's tenure as health minister, asserting that Khairy has not convincingly demonstrated the direct correlation between cancer and smoking habits.
Tiong challenged the lack of substantial steps, such as the establishment of research centres, to analyse and investigate detailed data on cancer patients in the country.
It was also reported that Attorney-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh had deemed a provision in the bill to be "unconstitutional".
Terrirudin said the provision to ban those born after 2007 from buying and consuming tobacco and vape products violated Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees equality.