Challenges and prospects in implementing the Generational Endgame policy: Malaysia and global perspectives

In Malaysia, tobacco smoking continues to be one of the leading public health concerns; hence, the tobacco control community aims to see a generation free of tobacco use by 2040. Drafted and presented to the parliament, the Malaysian Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2022 highlighted the Generational Endgame (GEG) policy, which forbids the use and sale of tobacco products and smoking substances to individuals born on or after 1 January 2007. Stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organisations, policymakers, healthcare professionals, tobacco industry representatives and retailers, have expressed differing opinions indicating non-support of the policy. The Attorney General Chamber deemed the policy as ‘unconstitutional’ for discriminating against those within the implementation age range, which prompted its omission from the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill. This paper discusses the obstacles and possible implications of the GEG policy implementation in Malaysia and details its implementation in other countries. This paper also proposes several recommendations for future directions in tackling the obstacles mentioned more effectively.