Refer controversial tobacco bill to Parliamentary select committee first, says Anwar
01 Aug 2022 10:11pm
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says opposition MPs have raised concerns on rights under the constitutional and on enforcement
The bill was tabled for the first reading last week while Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has said the second and third reading will be held at this sitting.
However, Anwar said after a series of discussions with opposition MPs, they support the bill in principle.
"But questions have been raised by the MPs on rights under the constitutional and on enforcement," he said in a statement tonight.
Due to that, he said the opposition has proposed for the bill to be referred to a special select committee.
He said the select committee should be made up of MPs from both sides of the aisle and headed by Khairy.
Experts and critics have criticised the bill as they say the smoking ban on those born in and after 2007 would only excite youths to try out smoking.
They have also argued that enforcement in the country remains weak and the ban could see a rise in illicit trade which has been increasing again after two years in the country.
However, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has argued that the move will save lives.
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