MORE calls for lifestyle-related bans seem to be in the pipeline for Malaysians after few so-called religious experts advised Muslims in the country against participating in the forthcoming Japanese ‘dancefest’ Bon Odori.
On top of the proposed smoking and vaping ban announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, an online survey conducted by a Muslim consumer group has urged for the Government to ban alcohol, gambling, bars, nightclubs, karaoke joints and the sale of sugary beverages as well.
The online survey by the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia, (PPIM) which collated input from 1,259 respondents was carried out to gauge the views of the general public on other negative habits apart from smoking and vaping for future generations. However, PPIM did not divulge the background of its respondents.
It found that 89% of the respondents want the Government to ban alcohol while 69% want the Government to ban the sales of sugary beverages.
The survey also found that 86% of the respondents want the Government to ban gambling, while 79% want the Government to impose a ban on nightclubs, karaoke joints and pubs.
On the topic of the recently-announced plans to implement a ban on the sale of tobacco products including vape products to those born after 2005, PPIM chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said that the association does not agree with the Government’s plan to impose blanket bans on the sale and use of products for future generations, even though such proposals has good intentions.
Such bans could lead to other problems, including an increase in the sales of black-market items and other criminal activities, he opined.
In addition to difficulties in enforcing such bans, it would also burden the enforcement agencies and make criminals of consumers above the age of 18.
“We are also aware that other products and services have a negative impact on consumers. For example, alcohol can destroy a community, sugary drinks can affect one’s health and gambling can cause one to fall into debt,” Nadzim said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today (June 8).
“And if the Government is adamant about banning cigarettes and vape for health reasons, many have also made it clear that they want the Government to curb other negative habits for the coming generations.” – June 8, 2022