Deputy Minister of Health, Lukak Nisman, pointed out that when the "Smoking Prohibited Generation" (GEG) bill was initially presented to parliament, it triggered backlash. However, at the grassroots level, there are smokers who support this bill for the sake of their future generations.
"A smoker told me that he couldn't quit smoking in his generation, but he hopes to prevent his descendants from smoking, so he supports the Smoking Prohibited Generation bill."
On Sunday (27th), in an awareness campaign coinciding with the implementation of the "2024 Public Health Tobacco Products Control Act" (Act 852) effective from October 1 this year, he visited Penang and responded to a participant who urged the Ministry of Health to strictly ban smoking from the grassroots level and campuses.
Lukak Nisman.
He also mentioned that the bill was previously presented to parliament and encountered opposition from Members of Parliament, although a minority of MPs did express support, though their voices were relatively weak.
"Therefore, after listening to feedback from MPs and consulting with various parties, we have adjusted the smoking prohibition regulations, including banning the sale of electronic cigarette products to individuals under 18, and implementing sales control measures starting in April next year."