Industry pressure from tobacco companies played a significant role in the exclusion of the Generational Endgame (GEG) component from the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill, as revealed by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
In a surprising revelation, Lukanisman stated that tobacco and vape industry representatives had met with Members of Parliament within the Parliament, resulting in conflicting views during discussions about the Bill.
He highlighted the direct influence of industry pressure on the decision-making process, citing a conflict of views that arose during debates specifically related to the GEG component.
“The industry’s presence in Parliament and their meetings with MPs significantly influenced the decision-making process,” Lukanisman stated during Minister’s question time in the Dewan Rakyat.
Moreover, Lukanisman urged MPs to resist the influence of vape advertisements, emphasizing that such marketing tactics can easily attract the attention of children.
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Responding to a question by Dr. Halimah Ali regarding potential lobbying efforts from the tobacco and vape industries, Lukanisman acknowledged the industry’s influence on decision-making processes.
In November last year, the Health Ministry announced the removal of the GEG element from the revised Bill during its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Bill was subsequently passed by the Dewan Rakyat on November 30 after two days of debates, followed by approval from the Dewan Negara on December 14.
The exclusion of the GEG element in the final Bill, which aimed to restrict individuals born in 2007 and later from purchasing or using smoking products, was attributed to constitutional reasons by leaders.
However, Lukanisman’s acknowledgment lends credibility to claims suggesting that lobbying efforts were instrumental in scrapping the GEG provisions from the Bill.
As per the World Health Organization framework, which Malaysia has ratified, governments are required to safeguard their policies from the influence of commercial interests, including those of the tobacco industry.
