Subang MP Wong Chen from PKR tackles illicit cigarettes, impact on small businesses, and the slippery slope argument, besides suggesting a sunset clause in the tobacco control bill.
Khairy Jamaluddin says in a parliamentary reply that MOH is still studying the use of vape as harm reduction for tobacco smoking, but notes that e-cigarettes are shown to affect one’s health.
Dr Kelvin Yii says the health, science and innovation parliamentary committee wants the government to ensure that the proposed tobacco control law doesn’t result in unintended consequences.
Teenagers, who may not know how extremely addictive nicotine is when they try their first cigarette, and young children exposed to secondhand smoke at home lose their right to health.
The Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill is not listed on the Order Paper for the Dewan Rakyat’s July 18 sitting, the first day of the upcoming parliamentary meeting.
Syed Saddiq cites 3 concerns with a generational smoking/ vaping ban: impact on small traders, personal liberty and a slippery slope for other lifestyle bans, and increased illicit cigarettes.
"Heavy offences" punishable with imprisonment under the tobacco bill target the sale or distribution of tobacco and vape products to those born from 2005.