KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has launched a survey to gather public feedback on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, dubbed the Generational End Game (GEG) bill.
Available on MySejahtera App, Malaysians can share their views with the minister in the survey titled 'Dr Zaliha (Mustafa) would like to know your views on Generational Endgame'.
The survey covers a range of topics, including the public's views on the health risks of smoking, the GEG provision, and the bill.
"I encourage all Malaysians to take a few minutes to complete the survey.
"Everyone needs to play a role and support the government's efforts in presenting this bill and the GEG provision by voicing their rights through this survey as well as the available media channels," said Dr Zaliha in a statement.
She said the GEG provision was a bold and ambitious piece of legislation that has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing tobacco use and smoking-related deceases and deaths in Malaysia.
"This is how we will protect our youth, loved ones and those around us from the dangers of smoking by preventing the addiction in the first place."
She said the GEG would not affect existing smokers or vapers but would effectively create a generation of Malaysians protected from nicotine addiction and the harmful effects of smoking products throughout their lives.
She said the GEG is one of the provisions of the bill that is being finalised, with the proposed law aimed at ensuring comprehensive regulation on all types of smoking products including electronic cigarettes and vape.
She said the existing controls under the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations (CTPR) 2004 only regulate tobacco-based smoking products.
Tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat in June, the bill was again referred to the parliamentary special select committee (PSSC) before it could be debated.
Following this, several amendments have been made as the government shifts towards a "soft landing" approach through educational enforcement.