Act 852 ineffective with Generational End Game exclusion, says academician

KUCHING (Oct 2): The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) is ineffective without the inclusion of the Generational End Game (GEG) provision, argued academician Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow.

In view of this, the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Faculty of Syariah and Law associate professor said the GEG provision, initially proposed by the previous government, aimed to ban smoking and vaping for individuals born in 2007 and onwards, even after they reach adulthood.

He expressed disappointment that the GEG was excluded from the law, as it was seen as a crucial step in reducing smoking rates among the younger generation.

“The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act, taking effect on Oct 1, 2024, is meaningless due to the lack of the GEG provision in it.

“On record, Parliament passed the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 last year. However, the law has set aside the GEG policy initiated by the previous government.

“The decision to put aside GEG provisions from the Bill is highly disappointing,” Muzaffar said in a statement yesterday.

Additionally, he noted that this decision could convey a negative message regarding the government’s commitment to ending and eradicating smoking and vaping addiction in society, particularly among the younger generation.

Muzaffar stated if the United Kingdom could implement such measures, Malaysia should be able to do the same, noting that the UK recently enacted a law prohibiting cigarette sales to individuals born after 2009.

“British MPs have backed a plan to ban cigarette sales to anyone born after 2009, effectively making it law. Led by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was approved by Parliament with a vote of 383 to 67.

“If this law goes into effect, the UK will have some of the strictest smoking regulations in the world, drawing inspiration from a similar law in New Zealand that was later repealed.

“The new legislation will gradually increase the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, ultimately preventing those born in 2009 and later from ever being able to buy them. Current smokers will not be impacted,” he said.

Additionally, Muzaffar emphasised that protecting public health should take priority over the rights of smokers, arguing that proactive measures like the GEG are necessary to strengthen Malaysia’s existing anti-smoking legislation.

He also calls on Malaysia to take more decisive action against smoking and vaping addiction, particularly among the youth.

As such, he suggests amending the Federal Constitution if necessary to implement the GEG provision effectively.