KUCHING: The Tobacco Control Bill 2022 is important to curb the harmful cycle of smoking and nicotine addiction especially in the effort to protect the health and well-being of the future generations.
In stating this, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said such legislation which includes new regulations governing both tobacco and vaping, and which will introduce innovations such as end-generation gaming (GEG) aims to further regulate the use of tobacco products and the vape industry which until now is unregulated and not monitored, on top of introducing an end game to stop the new generations from picking up such harmful habits.
“Such intentions should be supported by all layers of society. We all know the dangers of smoking and its effects not only on our personal health, but also has effects on the people around us,” he said in his Facebook page on Tuesday (Aug 2).
In light of this, he said the Bill is important, however, in the context of the country, there are real concerns on gaps of implementation and possible loopholes and overreaching enforcement powers.
“That is why the recommendation by the Parliamentary Select Committee of Health, Science and Innovation was to delay the implementation of the GEG, not to simply delay what is good, but in order to prepare a proper enforcement framework to ensure those we want to protect are not victimised by the law. This includes refining the powers of the enforcers,” he said.
Yii also disclosed that in all of his engagement with the ministers, they have been open and progressive in accepting the recommendations including not criminalising possession which in theory, protects users from all those overreaching enforcement powers that are of concern.
“A person addicted to nicotine, whether a smoker or vaper, whether in the GEG generation or not, has the right to be treated equally under the law, with compassion, and dignity.
“However, it is important to really review all clauses in the Act to ensure it reflects the concessions agreed by the Minister on top of addressing other concerns that may be in the Bill.
“That is why in my debate, I proposed to the Minister that it be reviewed extensively by a Special Select Committee to ensure we put safeguards to prevent abuse while still preserving the spirit of the Bill,” he said, adding that the review is not an attempt to further delay the Bill as the timeline for GEG implementation has been agreed to be delayed for two years.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the most important matter is to make sure that a good law is made and addresses all the concerns to get proper buy-in to increase compliance and ensure it achieves its intended target.
“I strongly believe the Committee can make a commitment to work on the Bill extensively, and target for it to be one of the first agenda through agreement of the government in the upcoming Parliament session scheduled for October.
“As members of parliament it is our responsibility to look at the Bill at all angles. This is not an attempt to simply delay, but more importantly to ensure we come up with a better Bill to ensure it achieves its target without any unintended consequences.
“I am glad the government agreed and we will continue our work to ensure we give life to an ‘improved Act’ that will change our society for the better,” he said.
