MMA unhappy with survey on generational end game

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has blasted the survey to gather public opinion on the Generational End Game (GEG) via the MySejahtera app as a means to delay the second reading of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023.

In a statement today, MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz questioned the need for such a survey at the eleventh hour when the government had months to do one.

"All the hard work of engaging with key stakeholders has been done by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) chaired by (former health minister) Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

"Moreover, many Malaysians no longer use or have deleted the MySejahtera app.

"From its move to delist nicotine gels and liquids from the Poisons Act early this year, postponements and now this latest move to conduct a survey when the bill should have already been tabled for second reading, we are not convinced that the government is genuinely committed to advancing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 despite assurance given by the health minister," she said.

Political will

The bill is aimed at ensuring comprehensive regulation on all types of smoking products including electronic cigarettes and vape as the existing Control of Tobacco Products Regulations (CTPR) 2004 only regulate tobacco-based smoking products.

Azizan (above) added that sufficient stakeholder engagements have been held and all that is needed is the political will to proceed.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa launched the survey on Wednesday, saying that it covers a range of topics including the public's views on the health risks of smoking, the GEG provisions, and the Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health Bill 2023.

Azizan sounded a reminder that Dzulkefly had earned praise during his tenure as health minister for his bold move to introduce a smoking ban at eateries.

"Although it was an unpopular decision among certain quarters at the time, it was the right thing to do in the best interest of public health. This is the kind of commitment that we need now.

"To genuinely prioritise public health, the Health Ministry must demonstrate unwavering commitment in combatting the perils of smoking and vaping," she added.

She said it was imperative that the government took decisive action to ensure the swift passage of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 in this parliamentary session, as it had pledged.

"No compromises, no delays — our health demands nothing less," said Azizan.

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