Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Cabinet has agreed to support the tabling of the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill in Parliament.
State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya said it included the implementation of a ban on sales, purchase and ownership of tobacco products or tobacco substitute products (including vapes) among the Generational End Game (GEG).
“This bill is very important to reduce the smoking culture in the community and also to protect and prevent smoking addiction, especially among the youths.
“As State Health Exco, I presented the notice paper on the bill at the State Cabinet meeting and it got the nod,” he said.
GEG are the younger generation born 2005 and above. The Proposal Paper for the Tobacco and Smoking Control Act 2022 was presented at the State Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The controversial bill realised by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin also met federal Cabinet approval the same day.
This means that the bill is likely to be tabled in the coming Dewan Rakyat meeting next Monday.
If passed, future generations in possession of cigarettes or vape – regarded as minor offences - will face a penalty starting next year, while heavier offences apply to individuals who participate in the sale or distribution of tobacco or vape products to those born from January 1, 2005.
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