KUALA LUMPUR: An independent committee to review and evaluate the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill 2022 will be set up, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this will be included in the control of tobacco products, substances and substitutes to smoking products on generations born on Jan 1, 2007 onwards, as specified in the proposed law.
"Under Clauses 13 and 17 of the bill, the first evaluation will be made when the law is enforced, until Dec 31, 2024 and the second evaluation takes place on Dec 31, 2034, 10 years after the first one.
"The bill is crucial and can no longer be delayed in curbing smoking habits among Malaysians, especially the younger generation who would lead the country's administration," he said when tabling the bill for second reading.
He said the bill was also aimed at reducing the government's burden of treatment costs for patients admitted due to smoking-related complications.
Subsequently, the generation that is free from smoking will create healthier and more productive leaders and people, he said.
"Our debates, decisions and votes here have a huge impact outside the Dewan (Rakyat). But once in a while, we will be presented with a decision, the consequences of which will be felt for many, many years to come," he said in addressing the members of parliament.
Khairy said this was about making the right decision that would have a multi-fold impact in the future.
"It's about whether we will heed the calls of the people who are hoping that we make the right decision to protect the next generation from huge calamity. Let's do the right thing."