KUALA LUMPUR: Government backbenchers are at odds over The Control of Smoking Product for Public Health Bill 2023, which is set to be tabled in Parliament next week.
PKR's Sungai Buloh member of parliament (MP) Datuk R. Ramanan today objected to the bill, saying that it would take away the right of the people to choose.
"Health is a very important issue, and smoking is dangerous.
"But it's not just about health, it's more than that.
"I'm not saying that it is the right thing to allow the next generation to smoke, but it should be a choice for them, and not something for us to take away (from them)," he told reporters at the Parliament building today.
If the ministry's main concern was health, he said, then the government should also ban sugar.
"Should we ban sugar then? Instead of banning, we are giving sugar subsidies."
He said the government even pushed to give the younger generation the right to vote at 18, but prohibited them from making their own choice when it came to smoking.
"You give the power to 18-year-olds to decide the fate, future and the government of this country, but you don't feel they are responsible enough to decide if they want to smoke."
The government, he added, should instead increase the prices of cigarettes and implement higher taxes, including taxing electronic cigarettes, to make it difficult for the younger generation to buy tobacco products.
Ramanan said the government could lose a large portion of tax revenue from cigarette sales
He also highlighted the issue of privacy when cigarette sellers have to verify the age of buyers.
He claimed that many first world countries were unable to implement a total ban on smoking.
"Has the ministry done enough research? What is the cause and effect (of the bill)? How will it impact the economy and citizens of this country?
"I'm not advocating or encouraging smoking, but at the same time I don't believe you should take away a person's right.
"If I were to be a parent in the future, I would make sure my child understands the adverse effects of smoking.
"I hope the ministry does not table this bill. It should be implemented only when it has done proper studies," he added.
Meanwhile, Datuk Larry Sng (Parti Bangsa Malaysia-Julau) said tabling the bill was a move in the right direction, and said he supported the ministry's decision to do so.
"I am in support of the bill. They have very good justification, including the (increase) cost to public healthcare if we continue to allow smoking in perpetuity.
"This law does not impact existing smokers, so there isn't much of a concern for them."
Sng said although there were differing opinions on the bill, even among MPs, he believed the law would be passed.
"Smoking is bad for your health, just as how drugs are bad for your health. I will vote in favour of it (the bill) in its existing form."