THE Health Ministry should press on with its plans to implement its generational endgame (GEG) to ban tobacco and vape products for those born after 2007, as it would protect the health of the population as well as save lives, the Malaysian Medical Association said. 

Its president Dr Koh Kar Chai said if GEG is implemented, it will give untold relief to the healthcare system in the years to come.  

“We understand that certain industry groups may be unhappy about the move but we believe it is time Malaysians prioritise health and embrace a healthy lifestyle. 

“Amid claims of economic losses to the industry, one needs to understand that this is not about an immediate banning of smoking and vaping but about sparing future generations from the scourge caused by such practices. 

“The country will gain economically by not having to bear the burden of people being afflicted with diseases associated with tobacco use and EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury),” he said in a statement today.  

Koh said the whole idea behind GEG is to prevent addictions to these products.  

Addiction is a disease that is extremely difficult to treat and medical professionals believe that prevention is the best method, he said. 

“We need to prevent early addiction by not allowing our young to pick up the unhealthy habit. 

“We all know and can see for ourselves that kids even as young as 14 years’ old are experimenting with cigarettes and vaping products. By the time they hit their 20s, they could very well be addicted if not already so while in their teens.  

“Even with the ban of sale of cigarettes to those 18 years and below, we were not able to prevent new generations from smoking.  

“With proper implementation, enforcement and public support, we believe GEG will be effective in curbing a future of smokers and vapers,” he added.  

Koh urged public to support the GEG, if they wish to see the best for their children.  

He reminded that treatment of serious illnesses caused by smoking or vaping will cause immense despair to the families concerned. 

He also called on lawmakers to not let the majority down and support the GEG. – August 1, 2022.