KUCHING, March 27: More studies are needed before the smoking ban bill can be tabled, opines Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
According to Abdul Karim, if the bill is tabled at this time, it may cause confusion and raise many questions as well.
“There is no need to make a hasty decision, and I am not encouraging anyone to smoke, but we should educate the public on the matter instead.
“There must be some kind of education or efforts to ensure that the target group do not become smokers,” he said.
Abdul Karim made these remarks when asked by reporters to comment on the smoking ban bill that is current being finalised and would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in July as announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on March 26.
The bill intends to ban smoking for those who are born from Jan 1, 2005 onwards and those who turn 18 next year would not be allowed to buy cigarettes and vape products legally.
Abdul Karim also pointed out that there is a need to consider the views of the community, religious bodies and school authorities as well before enacting the law.
He added when the minister-in-charge changes, then the policy could also change.
“In my opinion, do a proper study on the matter, because if he (Khairy Jamaluddin) is not the health minister anymore, chances are the new health minister will not make such a decision,” he said. — DayakDaily
