A 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey shows that 19% of Malaysians smoke.
PETALING JAYA: A health-related group and a think tank have urged the government to consider barring those aged 21 and below from smoking if it does not intend to revisit the generational endgame (GEG) proposal.
This came on the heels of Indonesia’s move to raise the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 as part of a series of changes to its health regulations.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said the “unpopular” move by Indonesia signified political will on the part of one of the world’s top tobacco producers to take a tougher stance on smoking and tobacco addiction.
“This shows that (the Indonesian government) has prioritised health over tax revenue,” Azizan told FMT.
She said raising the legal age for smoking to 21 should be something for Malaysia to consider if the government does not intend to take another look at GEG.
Last year, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill but left out the GEG component that would have prohibited the sale of tobacco and vape products to those born after 2007.
Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Khalib is also of the view that raising the minimum age to purchase cigarettes will help reduce the prevalence of smoking in Malaysia.
“It is an uphill battle, though. Overall, about 20% of Malaysians smoke, but prevalence is higher among men. Almost half of all adult males smoke,” Azrul told FMT.
“Addressing early-age smoking is key,” he added.
According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, 19% of the population are tobacco smokers, while 5% are e-cigarette users.
Azizan said while raising the minimum age is a good start, the government must take enforcement seriously.
“Even now, with the legal age for purchasing cigarettes at 18, we seem to be lacking in enforcement,” he said.
“Schoolchildren are still able to get cigarettes. Minors can also be seen smoking cigarettes openly in public,” she said.
Azizan added that if the government does decide to raise the minimum legal age to 21, it should not just stop at cigarettes but extend it to e-cigarettes and vape products as well.
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