Prof Dr Syed Mohamed Aljunid says in order for sin taxes to effectively deter non-smokers from starting and help existing smokers quit, the tax rate on cigarettes or vape needs to be at least 75% or higher.
Suhakam commissioner Noor Aziah Mohd Awal says the health minister’s decision to delist liquid nicotine is negligent; the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers can be held liable for misfeasance, based on a 2019 Federal Court ruling.
“The GEG should not be at the forefront of the Tobacco Bill at this point of time. It should be decoupled and subjected to a comprehensive review given its socio economic impact.” — sixth Chief Justice of Malaysia, Zaki Azmi.
The ‘Bangi Declaration’ calls for an urgent review of the exemption of liquid nicotine from the Poisons List, a 65% tax rate on all tobacco products, regulatory controls on vape, similar to cigarettes, and a national fatwa declaring e-cigarettes as haram.
Vape products are now available in Bazaar Ramadhan and convenience stores after the delisting of liquid and gel nicotine, says Dr Murallitharan Munisamy.
Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin says one of the main reasons why Sabah is poor is the lack of health care access, telling Dr Zaliha Mustafa to prioritise equal access to health services instead of anti-smoking initiatives pushed by the previous minister.
The arrogance of GEG advocates not only killed a bill, but will likely damage overall tobacco control efforts and wide-ranging health care reform proposals, regardless who forms the next government.
Khairy Jamaluddin says smokers can now obtain the nicotine patch or gum from grocery stores to quit smoking; previously, these smoking cessation products were only provided by pharmacists or doctors.
Making health care an issue in the 15th general election will keep the health reform agenda alive and, more importantly, translate ideas into action because they are driven by the people, not the medical elite.
About 4,513 monthly notices for smoking in no-smoking areas were issued in the first seven months this year, 37% higher than the 3,285 monthly summonses in 2019.