MyNews claims the smoking ban will bring to an uncertain future.
MyNews Retail Sdn Bhd stated in a statement today that if the Tobacco Bill is enacted, it will have an impact on the revenue of its more than 500 locations throughout Malaysia.
The chain of convenience stores urged all MPs to reconsider their vote in favour of the tobacco bill that was presented to Parliament for first reading yesterday.
Those born after 2007 will no longer be permitted to smoke, purchase, or possess any sort of tobacco products if the Bill is passed.
They think that this prohibition will accelerate the growth of illicit cigarettes. The enforcement forces are already fighting to halt the illegal cigarette trade with a market share of more than 60%.
A complete ban would give the market to the trafficking organisations to manage. Will this be able to be stopped by the enforcement agencies? The criminal gangs will ultimately profit from this restriction.
In addition, the statement noted that carrying out the restriction will be difficult because “it lies solely on the shoulders of the shops or end sellers who are required to comply with this rule.”
To make sure the customer is of legal age to purchase cigarettes, they will need to ask for their identity card. The Personal Data Protection Act of 2010 (PDPA) is in conflict with this, and not everyone feels comfortable disclosing personal information to total strangers.
MyNews stated that in order to comply with this new rule, it would have to think about hiring more people. What’s more, the regulation “would deny anyone born after 2007 possibilities to work with them.”
Young workers are “important for the viability of our company,” the chain reaffirmed, and the severe penalties imposed—a minimum fine of RM20,000—will also be a hardship.
MyNews expressed its disappointment that the government did not request its opinions on the Bill.
Before enacting additional rules restricting their freedom of choice, the government should prioritise teaching the next generation about tobacco and cigarette harm reduction.
