Malaysia is set to deny those born after 2005 from ever legally purchasing cigarettes, including vapes, as part of a ‘Generational End Game’ policy. In a move emulating similar recent legislation in New Zealand, the proposed regulation is expected to be tabled in parliament in July 2022. Wales too is floating a similar initiative to end smoking by 2030. The initiative is expected to deter people currently under 17 years old from ever starting smoking and possibly create a healthier nation.
A survey conducted by Malaysian Green Lung Association found Malaysians were largely receptive to the policy. The online public poll, supported by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) showed that more than 97 percent of 928 respondents were in favour of the phase-out. But respondents also voiced concerns about the impact of the authoritarian policy on personal choice, weak enforcement, and the sale of contraband cigarettes. As it stands, Malaysia is number one in a world ranking of tobacco black market activity due to a lack of proper policies in regulating vaping products.
An argument against the policy, especially among major tobacco companies, is that the Malaysian economy will be affected by the tax revenue from tobacco products. In 2017, Malaysia made RM3.94 billion (US$895 million) in ‘sin tax’ from tobacco products. Tobacco companies said smoking could continue through the supply of black market cigarettes and banning tobacco products would only serve to rob the country of RM5 billion (US$1.1 billion) in tax revenue.
