PH Sarawak objects proposal to ban 24-hour eateries
MIRI: Malaysians’ access to food and drinks should not be dictated by the government; instead, it should be in line with the economic reality and also their needs, said Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
In objecting the call by Consumers’ Association Penang (CAP) as its proposed solution to obesity, Chong likened it to the provision dubbed the ‘Generational End Game’ (GEG) meant to prohibit Malaysians born from Jan 1, 2007 onwards from consuming or buying any type of smoking products.
“It is not for the government to impose and force its value upon the personal choices of the people as it is most unwise of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the government to consider such proposal,” said Chong, who is Stampin MP.
“What the MoH forgets is that it is not the business of the government to go into the personal habits of individuals and start meddling with the private lives and choices of individuals.”
Chong said this in concurring with Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, who had called upon Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to reject a proposal to ban 24-hour operating licences for eateries.
Lim said the suggestion, currently under the ministry’s review, was ‘unnecessary and could have detrimental effects on the country’s economy’.
In this regard, Chong agreed, saying that the 24-hour eateries had always played a vital role in Malaysia’s economy by providing employment opportunities and generating revenue through food sales and tourism.
Both MPs from DAP had also said that prohibiting them would lead to job losses and a decrease in economic activity.