Put public health over 'basic right' to smoke, says DG Noor Hisham

Priority should be given to public health issues over the "fundamental right" to smoke, especially for young people, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says.

He said the public is also advised to help and support the actions of the health ministry to protect the younger generation from smoking tobacco and vaping.

"The Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Act and tobacco generational endgame (GEG) aim to create a generation that is free from smoking, including cigarettes and vaping for those born in 2007 and the years after," he said on Facebook yesterday.

Yesterday, the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill 2022 which, among others, prohibits individuals born in 2007 and onwards from smoking, buying or possessing tobacco products or smoking devices, was presented for a first reading at the Dewan Rakyat.

According to the bill, individuals who smoke tobacco products or tobacco substitute products, use smoking devices or possess tobacco products, smoking materials, tobacco substitute products or smoking devices can be fined up to RM5,000, if convicted.
 
Noor Hisham also cited historical facts about previous law enforcement such as the wearing of helmets and seat belts which concerned the people’s safety and lives.

"Thank God in 1975, 1979 and 2009, the MPs at that time used their power as representatives of the people well and contributed to saving many lives.

"There were no parties and lobbyists questioning 'human rights' to continue not wearing helmets or seat belts then," he said.