Expert urges urgent action as teen vaping rates surge

New Straits Times

5 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia must urgently recognise that vaping, especially among adolescents, is a growing national health threat, said Professor Dr Sanjay Rampal.
Universiti Malaya Research Development executive director said the country risks facing a significant burden of lung-related illnesses if current trends continue unchecked.
He said while Malaysia's non-communicable disease strategies have long prioritised cardiovascular diseases and cancer, respiratory health has not received adequate attention.
Dr Sanjay said smoking is a major risk factor to respiratory-related illnesses, especially among adult males.
He added that there is also a rising trend of vaping among schoolchildren.
"If vaping was truly about harm reduction, we'd be using it to help older smokers quit. But that's not what's happening.
"Children as young as 8 have started vaping. Among secondary school students, the prevalence has climbed to 15 to 20 per cent.
"Anybody can buy a vape with nicotine inside at the mall. We seriously have to think about it. If you're serious about respiratory health, you should also be serious about its prevention.
"They've started vaping and smoking young. When they come into clinics at 40 years old, all we can do is treat them. We cannot undo the damage. We've missed the chance to prevent it."
He was speaking at the inauguration of the RESPIRE Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 at a hotel here.
He stressed the urgent need to acknowledge vaping as a public health crisis, calling for tougher policies and stronger public awareness.
He proposed a multi-pronged strategy, which includes recognising teen vaping as a serious national issue, rolling out strong anti-vaping messages, banning the open sale of nicotine products, especially to youth,as well as considering prescription-only access to vapes for adults trying to quit smoking.
Present were Health Ministry deputy director-general (Research and Technical Support) Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah and RESPIRE co-director Professor Ee Ming Khoo.
Yesterday in the Dewan Rakyat, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the ministry is seeking a full ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products.
He was responding to a question by Pokok Sena member of parliament Datuk Ahmad Saad about the ministry's position following the move by Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang to ban vape products in their states.