PETALING JAYA: The proposed transfer to ban smoking products to Malaysians born after 2005 will have an effect on companies and trigger a rise in the illicit sale of the products, says the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI).
MICCI stated that such impulsive selections will drive shoppers to unregulated black-market sources.
The Health Ministry had stated on Wednesday (Jan 26) that it had plans to ban smoking products for these born after 2005 to regulate and forestall non-communicable ailments, with hopes that the laws could be handed this 12 months.
“While we support the Health Ministry’s efforts to get ahead of the high smoking incidence in the country, we cannot condone arbitrary setting of policies and regulations without due consultation and science-based decision making.
“It can set a slippery slope precedent affecting other sectors as well,” it stated in a press release on Friday (Jan 28).
MICCI urged that each one insurance policies must be rigorously deliberated earlier than implementation to keep away from inconsistent enforcement and discouraging the enterprise neighborhood.
It claimed the introduction of excessive excise duties for cigarettes had backfired because it inspired the sale of unlawful cigarettes.
“Malaysia’s tobacco black market currently commands 57% share of the total tobacco market, making the country number one in the world for illegal cigarettes,” it stated.
MICCI urged the federal government to think about introducing harm-reduction insurance policies, which inspired people who smoke to change to much less dangerous products reminiscent of no-burn and vape.
“Multiple international studies have shown that no-burn or vape is significantly less harmful,” it stated, noting that international locations reminiscent of New Zealand have efficiently applied such insurance policies.
MICCI stated by introducing complete complementary harm-reduction rules, it could defend the well being of Malaysians, in addition to enable native companies to proceed contributing excise duties.
