Will the proposed tobacco ban consider harm reduction alternatives?

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The proposed tobacco ban will undergo a comprehensive review considering harm reduction alternatives.

The Special Parliamentary Select Committee (PSSC) on Health, Science and Innovation is set to scrutinise the proposed Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill, which includes the "generation end-game" provision prohibiting the sale of tobacco and vape products to individuals born after 2005. This review will encompass public health, economic, and social behaviour impacts, with the aim of assessing the Bill's feasibility and exploring alternative regulatory or harm reduction strategies instead of an outright ban. An external panel of seven experts has been appointed to provide advice during these proceedings.
External Experts Appointed to Advise Committee

A panel of seven external experts has been assembled to provide advice to the Special Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Science and Innovation. These experts bring diverse backgrounds, including representation from the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, the Malaysian Medical Association, MyWATCH, the University Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences, the Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia, the Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors' General Association, and the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy. Their collective expertise will inform the committee's examination of the proposed legislation.
Holistic Review of Bill's Impact

The committee's review will adopt a holistic approach, analysing the proposed prohibition not only from a public health perspective but also considering its economic ramifications and effects on social behaviour. This comprehensive assessment is intended to ensure the practical viability and effective implementation of the Bill. For instance, the committee will investigate whether there are more effective methods for regulation or harm reduction beyond a complete prohibition for the targeted generation.
Proceedings to Include Health Ministry Briefing

The review process will commence with a briefing from the Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, and the Health Director-General, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. This session will provide the committee with details on the government's strategy for tabling the Bill in Parliament. The proposed legislation, aiming to reduce future generations' exposure to tobacco and smoking products, was previously announced to be tabled in July and is currently undergoing finalisation by the Attorney General’s Chambers.

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Will the proposed tobacco ban consider harm reduction alternatives?

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