Former Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has accused Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and two cabinet ministers of obstructing a bill banning nicotine for those born after 2007.
According to Focus Malaysia, Jamaluddin said the officials are impeding the proposed 2022 Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill (GEG). Despite limited updates, the Health Inspection Agency said the cabinet removed GEG’s age provisions.
Attorney General Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh believes the GEG clause violates the Federal Constitution’s Article 8.
Jamaluddin’s allegations come amidst lack of progress on Malaysia’s anti-nicotine efforts for youth. The proposed GEG bill would have prohibited purchase or consumption for those born after 2007.
