THE Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia has questioned how the anti-tobacco generational endgame (GEG) law would be enforced.

It voiced its concerns after the government said it would expedite the tabling of the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat.

Federation president Hong Chee Meng said the group’s main concern was the enforcement mechanics.

“This was never discussed with retail players and we are the frontliners to implement the proposal.

“We do not know if the retailers would be asked to check the IC of each adult born after 2007.

“We also do not know if there will be a digital app like MySejahtera that smokers born before 2007 must use each time they buy cigarettes or vape products,” he said in a statement.

Hong said it was unclear if enforcement of the new rules would lead to them being fined heavily since news reports said the revised bill included higher penalties for suppliers.

“There are no details on how this will be implemented and there are (supposed to be) very high fines.

“What happens if there are those who use fake ICs or even pay a personal shopper to purchase the products? We aren’t sure if retailers would be penalised under such circumstances.”

He said there had been no explanation from the Health Ministry.

“They are keeping us all in the dark on such important matters.

“We suggest GEG provisions be put on hold until the ministry comes up with a plan,” he said.

Hong said the government should focus on improving the ease of doing business, not introduce more complex policies.

He said amid economic uncertainty, the government should be supporting businesses, not adding to their burden. – October 6, 2023.