by SHAFIQQUL ALIFF / pic by TMR FILE

THE Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) is calling for the tabling of the Tobacco and Smoking Control Act Issues Related to the “Generational End Game” to be expedited.

Its president Dr Shawaludin Husin said MSOSH is concerned about the impact of cigarette and vape use on the community and the working class, and that the Act will ensure the next generation live healthier and be more productive for the progress of the country.

He said the smoking ban for individuals under 18 was enforced in 1994 but data show that the smoking trend within the age group continues.

“MSOSH is concerned that without a sense of urgency from the government, it will hamper the efforts of the law, including the risk of a change in policy on this matter in the future.

“Therefore, the government should take serious efforts for the benefit of all Malaysians, especially the working class who are contributors to the country’s economic activities,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Shawaludin added that according to an international study, the government will lose RM273.5 billion if affirmative action is not taken to curb the problem of smoking including premature death as well as absenteeism and failure to contribute to job productivity due to health problems.

“According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, the initiative will be followed by the tabling of a new Act so that the people in question will not be allowed to buy cigarettes at all for the rest of their lives.

“MSOSH agrees with the ministry’s initiative to prohibit people born in 2005 onwards from buying any type of cigarettes or tobacco products,” he added.