Malaysia’s proposed smoking ban faces yet another delay

ISTANBUL

A proposed overall ban in Malaysia on cigarettes and vaping starting with the generation now in its teens has again been delayed.

Zaliha Mustafa, the country’s health minister, said on Monday that the bill – which would ban the use, purchase, and sale of cigarettes and vaping products to those born after 2007 – was referred to a parliamentary committee for further deliberation.

The bill, called the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, also known as the Generational Endgame Bill, was introduced last year but was referred to the committee a second time today.

Mustafa said the bill needs further review, news website Free Malaysia Today reported.

Dr. R. Arasu, secretary general of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), said he was disappointed with the delay.

“It's crucial to protect our future generations. Quit playing politics and prioritize public health,” he said on Twitter.

“Let's stand together in demanding the immediate passage of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill. Protect our youths, prioritize health,” the medical association said on social media.