FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Washington, DC, Sept 2, 2022] Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) submitted evidence for consideration by the Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee and Health Minister for Malaysia to revise The Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill. The bill in its’ current form removes the ability of adults to make decisions for themselves in the future. The year restriction for tobacco sales would ban all people born on or after January 1, 2007, from ever buying tobacco products, effectively banning tobacco sales moving forward.
The PCA submitted a comment specifically crafted for the Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee and Health Minister. PCA’s comment relied heavily on the health effects of premium cigar use not posing a public health risk, and not having patterns of use consistent with addiction. The rationale of this bill is not based in science when it comes to premium cigars; but is based on the premise that the government acknowledges they do not believe adults can make decisions for themselves.
The studies on the health effects of premium cigars, usage, and the declining rate of smoking are readily available. The data clearly shows there is no need to take this simple pleasure away from people and is yet another example of the anti-tobacco groups and their allies in government moving the goal posts yet again.
PCA Executive Director Scott Pearce said “This is a trend that needs to be stopped across the world. From the EU to New Zealand and all the way to Malaysia, ‘tobacco free generation’ legislation is prohibitionist, that won’t work, creates other public policy issues, encourages an underground market, and ultimately should be stopped.”
“PCA continues to bolster its international presence and outreach and hopes to convene peers across the premium cigar industry to fight back. We saw an uptick and interest from the international community at the PCA22 Convention in July and have responded accordingly to encourage more membership from all parts of the world with international policy and advocacy as a key incentive,” added Joshua Habursky, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Government Affairs for the PCA.
On November 16th and 17th, PCA will host a policy conference in Washington, DC, with the second day focusing on issues exclusively outside of the United States. Last week, PCA reported filing a comment with New Zealand and as a result, PCA Government Affairs Manager Ryan Parada will testify virtually on the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Health Committee meeting on September 16, 2022.
About PCA
Founded in 1933, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is the oldest, largest, and most active trade association representing and assisting retailers, manufacturers and suppliers of premium tobacco products. PCA is a not-for-profit trade association and is recognized as the “Voice of Authority and Reason” on premium tobacco-related issues.