GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has urged the government to revisit the discussions around the Generational End Game (GEG) provision, considering the long-term benefits of such policies for the health and wellbeing of Malaysians.
In light of recent revelations during the Minister's Question Time (MQT) at Dewan Rakyat,
MPS president Professor Amrahi Buang expressed profound
disappointment and concern over the tobacco and vape industry's influence on the legislative process, particularly the removal of the GEG provision from the revised of Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health Bill 2023.
He said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni had disclosed that industry lobbyists had met with members of parliament , significantly impacting the legislative decision-making process.
"This unfortunate development undermines efforts to protect public health and prevent future generations from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.
"The MPS reaffirms our unwavering support for the GEG initiative, a critical step towards a smoke-free Malaysia.
"We call on policymakers, healthcare professionals and the community at large to stand united against external pressures that prioritise profit over the health of our nation's citizens.
"We urge the government to revisit the discussions around the GEG provision, considering the long-term benefits of such policies for the health and wellbeing of Malaysians," he said today.
On Thursday, it was reported that
pressure and lobbying from the tobacco and vape industry had influenced a "decision" on the anti-smoking bill, which included the GEG provision.
Lukanisman, when revealing this in Dewan Rakyat, had said there were conflicting views on the components of the GEG, which was removed from the anti-smoking bill last year.
Amrahi said it was imperative that we adopted a transparent, evidence-based approach to policymaking, where public health interests are safeguarded against industry manipulation.
"In addition, we urge the government to reconsider the decision made in 2023 to remove nicotine liquid from the Poisons List 1952.
"This move, which caused considerable concern among healthcare professionals, potentially undermines efforts to regulate substances that pose significant health risks.
"Reinstating nicotine liquid into the Poisons List would align with best practices in public health and ensure comprehensive control over harmful substances," he added.
The MPS, according to Amrahi, remains committed to advocating for effective public health policies, including smoking cessation efforts.
"We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the health of current and future generations is protected," he said.
The provision prohibiting Malaysians born after 2007 from buying or consuming nicotine products - dubbed the GEG - was dropped from the latest version of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, which was tabled in the last Parliament sitting.
Then Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa had said the GEG provision was dropped after taking into consideration the views from the Attorney-General's Chambers, who cited potential constitutional arguments to the GEG's decoupling from the bill.
Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin first tabled the bill in July 2022.