Every time you try to quit smoking you are actually getting closer to staying smoke-free.
– Henry Ford, American industrialist
IN a world where opinions often clash, and passions run high, few topics, other than politics, manage to ignite such fervour and intensity as the issue of smoking.
In Malaysia, from June 1, 2010, smoking in private office spaces was deemed an offence.
Then to the fury of smokers, from January 1, 2019, the law further prohibited smoking in all restaurants and eateries.
Recently, I was fortunate to be seated next to the Deputy Minister of Health Lukanisman Awang Sauni at a luncheon.
During the discussion on health-related matters, he mentioned that the government was tabling the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill or the Generational End Game (GEG) on June 12.
He had a deep understanding of the surrounding issues regarding GEG and a good grasp of details.
This prompted me to write this column. The deputy minister acknowledged the challenging journey that awaits this Bill in parliament yet emphasised its paramount importance for the well-being of the people.
So what does this Bill encompass, and why the uproar surrounding it?
This Bill seeks to eradicate smoking by banning the use, purchase and sale of any smoking products to those born after 2007.
Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ), who championed the cause of tobacco control, initially introduced the Bill.
However, his departure due to the last general election resulted in the current unity government assuming the responsibility of carrying forward KJ’s vision.
Determined to transform Malaysia into a smoke-free nation, they have taken up the mantle, recognising the significance of this legislation in achieving that ambitious goal.
These measures reflect a growing recognition of the harmful effects of smoking and a commitment to creating smoke-free environments for the well-being of workers and the general public.
Those opposing the measures in the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill cite freedom of choice and thereby link it to human rights issues, amongst other reasons.
Whether it’s the battle against the harmful effects on public health or the ongoing debate surrounding personal freedoms, smoking has consistently fuelled fiery discussions and passionate arguments.
As cigarette butts smoulder, releasing their contentious fumes into the air, so do the sentiments and emotions surrounding this controversial habit.
I am sure you would agree the issue of smoking is multifaceted, with profound impacts on individuals, communities, and society.
It generates debates and ignites passion within us all. Smoking-related concerns have far-reaching consequences, making it a topic of significant importance and intense discussion.
However, first and foremost, we must acknowledge that the impact of tobacco and smoking on global health is deeply alarming. It is comparable to an unrecognised pandemic.
Startling statistics reveal around 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide, resulting in over 8 million lives lost to tobacco-related causes every year. Of this immense figure, approximately 7 million deaths stem from tobacco use.
Tragically, an additional 1.2 million deaths occur annually due to non-smokers being exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke, underscoring the widespread harm caused by this habit.
It is crucial to recognise that all forms of tobacco use carry risks, and there is no safe level of exposure to smoking. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified tobacco as a known or probable cause of about 25 diseases, highlighting its detrimental effects on human health.
Shifting our focus to Malaysia, the country’s 2020 report submitted to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control presents a concerning situation. A significant 21.3 per cent of individuals aged 15 years and older in Malaysia are smokers, amounting to an estimated 7 million smokers within the country.
Furthermore, it has been reported that approximately 27,200 deaths occur annually in Malaysia due to smoking-related causes, painting a distressing picture of the local impact of tobacco use.
If the GEG bill is passed, it would render an entire generation of Malaysians unable to indulge in smoking.
Violators would likely face significant fines and mandatory community service, while their predecessors continue to smoke without legal consequences.
Despite the commendable efforts of Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa to garner support from fellow Members of Parliament for the GEG, some lawmakers remain steadfast in their opposition to the proposal.
I wish the Minister of Health and her deputy success in their efforts to pass this GEG Bill as law.
Imagine our nation as a place where hardly anyone smokes cigarettes. A place where you can walk without seeing cigarette butts on the ground, breathe clean air without worrying about second-hand smoke, and where hospitals are filled with people recovering from ailments rather than smoking-related illnesses.
It may seem like a distant ideal, but it is a powerful inspiration for a smoke-free future.
Let us envision and work towards a society where the negative impacts of smoking become a thing of the past and the well-being of all takes centre stage.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
