
Jess Adham, 9, showed us how to live fully — even while letting go
Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 Text Size: The warrior at the finish line of his final race during the 2025 Borneo International Marathon - Facebook/Borneo Marathon KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC) has announced the passing of Jess Adham, 9, who died in 2025 after a brave battle with high-grade glioma. Despite knowing his prognosis, Jess, from Kampung Panjut Tuaran, faced his illness with quiet courage, undergoing surgery and radiotherapy. One of his proudest final acts was participating in the 2025 Borneo International Marathon under MAPPAC, walking the 3KM category as a symbol of strength, resilience, and determination. 'Though his race has ended, Jess crossed the finish line with courage, heart, and grace,' said the Kinabalu Running Club in tribute. Jess is remembered not only for his bravery, but for the kindness and inspiration he brought to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and purpose. MAPPAC continues to champion quality care for children with life-limiting illnesses, supporting families and caregivers across Malaysia. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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Focus Malaysia
5 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Ban today, black market tomorrow: Re-thinking the vape crackdown
THE government's move to ban open-system vape devices under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) raises serious concerns. While public health risks are real – with 80% of seized vape products reportedly containing banned substances – an outright ban may worsen the situation instead of resolving it. A better approach is to regulate, tax and monitor the industry under a clear legal framework. Using today's debate to ask tough questions In Parliament yesterday (July 28), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkelfy Ahmad announced that enforcement would begin immediately against open-system vape devices, citing concerns over how easily they can be modified and refilled. 𝐊𝐊𝐌 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐊𝐀𝐇 𝐊𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐇 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐕𝐀𝐏𝐄 Alhamdulillah, pagi ini di Dewan Rakyat saya telah menjawab soalan YB Dato' Haji Ahmad Bin Saad @ Yahaya, Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena berkenaan pendirian Kementerian terhadap langkah beberapa Kerajaan… — KKMalaysia🇲🇾🩺❤️ (@KKMPutrajaya) July 28, 2025 Authorities are right to be alarmed by the presence of substances like methamphetamine and cannabinoids in some of these products, especially among youth. But pushing the industry underground will not eliminate these threats. It will simply make them harder to trace and control. Singapore's experience shows the limits of prohibition Singapore banned vaping in February 2018. Yet illegal products are still widely available, often sold through encrypted apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. Even more worrying is the rise of counterfeit vape liquids laced with synthetic drugs. If a high-compliance country like Singapore cannot eliminate its black market, Malaysia is unlikely to fare any better using the same approach. Prohibition risks strengthening the black market. Malaysia already loses over RM5 billion annually to illicit cigarette sales. A vape ban could drive consumers further toward dangerous, unregulated products. Enforcement may also be misdirected. Authorities will be forced to target small retailers and informal sellers instead of focusing on major public health threats. Meanwhile, adult smokers looking to quit may find themselves pushed back to cigarettes or left to navigate an unregulated vape black market. Why ignore revenue in a tight fiscal climate? Malaysia has repeatedly cited limited fiscal space to justify subsidy reforms and tax hikes. Yet the vape sector remains largely untaxed and unregulated. This is a missed opportunity. By taxing vape products based on nicotine content, the government could generate revenue, discourage high-risk use, and create a level playing field with the tobacco industry. A well-structured excise system would strengthen oversight while funding healthcare and anti-smoking campaigns. Why go through all the trouble of expanding the Sales and Services Tax (SST) if we continue to ignore other obvious and efficient sources of revenue like vaping? Let's not waste the opportunity to get this right. Use Act 852 as intended The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) already contains the tools needed for effective regulation. These include product registration, licensing, advertising restrictions, and age limits. Rather than bypass these mechanisms, the government should use them. Enforce mandatory product testing, introduce tiered excise taxes, license retailers with strict age-gated access, regulate advertising and collaborate with online platforms to curb digital black markets. Public education must also be stepped up, especially targeting youth and parents. The presence of banned substances in vape products is alarming, but a blanket ban is not a sustainable solution. It risks losing control of the market while also forfeiting harm reduction and revenue opportunities. Malaysia already has the legal and policy framework to manage this sector responsibly. What it needs now is the political will to do so. Prohibition may sound tough but effective regulation is what truly protects public health. Tax it. Regulate it. Control it. Let's not waste this opportunity to get it right. – July 29, 2025


Daily Express
5 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah needs children's hospice, says Sandakan MP
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: The flag-off ceremony of Sepeda Amal Borneo 2025. SANDAKAN: The pressing need for improved paediatric palliative care in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, took centre stage at the launch of Sepeda Amal Borneo 2025, here in Sandakan on Sunday. Sandakan Member of Parliament, Vivian Wong Shir Yee stressed that palliative care for children is not just a medical necessity but a crucial part of a holistic healthcare system. She cited a recent The Star report which revealed that Malaysia has only six paediatric palliative care specialists under the Ministry of Health, despite an estimated 9 million children who may benefit from such services. 'Our country is in dire need of more specialists in this field. I urge the Ministry of Health to give serious attention to this issue and increase training and funding so that we can better support these children and their families,' she said. Vivian's opening remarks was delivered by her special officer, CK Teo before the flag-off ceremony. This year's Sepeda Amal Borneo fundraising event supports the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (Mappac), an organisation providing holistic care to children with life-limiting illnesses and at the end of life. Vivian also expressed strong support for Mappac's initiative to establish Sabah's first children's hospice, calling it a timely and vital step for the state. 'I fully support this effort and hope that both the federal and Sabah state governments will work together to make this hospice a reality,' she added. As part of the programme, 17 cyclists from various professional and national backgrounds will embark on a 600-kilometre journey from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu over six days. Vivian praised the dedication and spirit of the participants. 'I am truly inspired by the commitment of all involved. Your journey is not just a physical challenge but a powerful statement of compassion and unity,' she said. Organised by the Malaysia Medical Association (MMA), Sepeda Amal Borneo is now in its fourth year. The programme continues to raise awareness and funds for critical healthcare causes, while fostering community involvement and advocacy. 'I hope this meaningful initiative will bring us closer to the dream of accessible palliative care for every child in need,' Vivian said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
6 hours ago
- Daily Express
Government moves towards total vape ban, says health minister
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Muhammad Yusry, Malay Mail Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. - Getty Images KUALA LUMPUR: The government is working towards a complete ban on the sale and use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday. He said the Ministry of Health is currently studying the matter, which requires a thorough assessment from legal, industry, government revenue, and licensing perspectives before any such policy can be implemented. Dzulkefly said that current regulations only restricted the sale of smoking products at speciality stores while not covering other retail outlets or convenience stores. 'To achieve more comprehensive control, particularly a total ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes, a detailed study and further action at the federal level are still required,' he said during Question Time. 'In line with this, the Health Ministry is moving towards a complete ban on the sale and use of electronic cigarettes or vapes to curb this issue more effectively and comprehensively. However, the implementation of such a ban must be carried out carefully.' Dzulkefly was responding to Pokok Sena MP Datuk Ahmad Saad, who had asked about the ministry's position on several state governments' decisions to stop issuing business licences for electronic cigarettes and vapes in their respective states. The minister said he supported Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang in choosing not to license the sale of vape produucts. 'This is in line with public health aspirations and the licensing authority of premises under local councils,' he added. Dzulkefly added that a committee of experts on electronic cigarettes met on July 22 to discuss vape control strategies and ways to strengthen regulations on smoking products. 'Following this, the Health Ministry plans to hold detailed discussions with four key ministries and departments, namely the Finance Ministry, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and the Attorney General's Chambers,' he added. Dzulkefly said his ministry is currently prioritising a strict regulatory approach to smoking products through the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. 'This includes requirements for product registration, bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship, controls on sales, and smoking prohibitions in designated no-smoking areas,' he said. - Malay Mail * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia