Now, anti-smoking bill goes to PSC

The Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022 has been referred to the parliamentary select committee for recommendations for further improvement, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

The committee comprising 13 government and opposition MPs will be chaired by Khairy.

The government MPs in the committee are Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (BN-Baling), Mohd Nizar Zakaria (BN-Parit), Azalina Othman Said (BN-Pengerang), Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Bersatu-Masjid Tanah), Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PAS-Pasir Mas) and Lukanisman Awang Sauni (GPS-Sibuti). 

The opposition representatives are Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching), R Sivarasa (PH-Sungai Buloh), Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor), Madius Tangau (Upko-Tuaran), Darell Leiking (Warisan-Penampang) and Mukhriz Mahathir (Pejuang-Jerlun).

Khairy said the proposal was made based on Standing Order 54 (2).
 
When winding up the debate on the bill, he said wanted to fine-tune it to get the support of all parties.

He voiced hope that the bill would be the first agenda in the order of business at the Dewan Rakyat session in October.

"I wouldn't say it's being delayed but it's being referred, and I agree that when we present it later, in good conscience, we can all agree," he said.

The bill, also known as the generational endgame (GEG) bill, was tabled for a first reading on July 27 and a second reading on Aug 1.

If passed, it will criminalise the consumption of any tobacco product or substitute tobacco product by those born in and after 2007.

It will also prohibit the possession and use of smoking devices as tobacco substances. 

The maximum fine for such offences was originally set at RM5,000.

However, this was later reduced to RM500 or community service orders.