KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Health Medical Specialists Association of Malaysia (PPPKAM) is disappointed at the postponement of the tabling of the Public Health Tobacco Control Bill 2023 in Parliament.
Its president Prof Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman said there was no clear reason given behind its postponement despite the bill receiving positive input from the Special Committee on Health.
He said the delisting of nicotine liquids from the Poisons Act on March 31 this year gave children the freedom to purchase nicotine liquids without any law enforcement.
This has allowed children who are still in primary and secondary schools to obtain nicotine liquid products easily without any restrictions, he said.
"The government's action clearly has not shown a fair consideration for the future generations of this country.
"Those who were given the mandate in the elections to enhance the people's wellbeing have clearly not fulfilled their responsibilities in this regard," he said in a recent statement.
He said PPPKAM believes there may have been strong sentiment which led to a majority of policy makers believing that the bill would bring an "economic disaster".
"Some people have argued that issues like the shortage of local rice supply and haze problems are more important than the issue of tobacco product control.
"Others believe that by enforcing this bill, it seems authorities are restricting individual freedom. There is also the potential for people engaging in cigarette smuggling activities if the bill is implemented."
PPPKAM hoped the government could clearly state the reasons for the postponement of the bill's tabling and promptly demonstrate their concern for the wellbeing of the community.
On Oct 9, the Health Ministry said the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill which was set for a second reading in Parliament on Oct 10, was postponed to make way for other government affairs.
The bill was tabled for first reading in June this year before it was sent to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for review.
