Will GEG law work to erase smoking?


THE generational endgame bill to end tobacco use has caught the attention of the public. 

Contrasting views on the law have been given by the authorities and the public. 

I wish to share my personal opinion on what the government should do and what the public want, which is opposed to the desires of the government.

There is no doubt that consumption of tobacco is a serious matter. Some people could start smoking at 14 due to peer pressure.

Smoking has dangerous health effects. Why then is there opposition to laws to stop smoking?

Firstly, it must be noted that wars against substances have never worked in any country. The reason being, once a substance is illegal, it is not regulated.

For example, the war on drugs that in America only increased the their use. Drug-related deaths and crime rates also rose. This is because people are using substances without regulation.

Most governmental and private health care institutions agree to the implementation of the GEG law. They believe a permanent stop to the usage of tobacco could help prevent health problems.

While this is true, it must be noted that the stand-alone law is not enough to stop people from smoking. This is the stance of all the experts. 

There needs to be a holistic method that includes the participation of all sectors to curb the usage of tobacco without giving too much of a shock to the public.

The decisions of the government have a huge impact on the future generations. It would be good if smoking could be erased, gradually or immediately, without upsetting the people. However, if efforts towards this end cause havoc and dissatisfaction, the decision-makers should recheck their routes for the greater good of the people.

* Mahathir Mohd Rais is Federal Territories Perikatan Nasional information chief.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.



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