Latest news with #AyubYaakob
New Straits Times
04-08-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
MCPF backs Health Ministry's move to ban vape nationwide
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) has expressed full support for the Health Ministry's proposed move to ban the sale and use of electronic cigarettes or vapes nationwide. MCPF senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob said an increasing number of non-smokers, particularly youths, are now using vapes, putting them at risk of serious health issues such as persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, and E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), a condition that can be fatal. "EVALI has already claimed lives in the United States and 41 cases have been recorded in Malaysia since 2019. "The Health Ministry has warned that treatment costs for EVALI-related illnesses could rise to RM369 million annually by 2030, with the current estimated cost per hospitalised patient over 12 days standing at RM150,892.11," he said in a statement today. Ayub said the assumption that vaping is safer than traditional cigarettes is misleading, as vape contains toxic chemicals and high levels of nicotine that can damage the lungs and brain, especially in teenagers. "In reality, electronic cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that cause nicotine addiction, which can damage the lungs and brain, especially among teenagers. "If left unchecked, vape addiction could become as widespread and damaging as drug abuse," he added. MCPF said the Health Ministry must tighten regulations on smoking products through the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), and conduct regular monitoring to detect illegal online vape sales targeting youths. The foundation also called for intensified public awareness campaigns across social media and mainstream platforms, with the involvement of influencers, youth leaders and medical experts to share facts about vape risks. "We also urge the authorities to work together to stop the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes, as their presence in the market creates a negative perception of the authorities and the government's efforts in addressing the issue," said Ayub.
New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- New Straits Times
NSRC's 24-hour upgrade will boost cybercrime response
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to expand the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) into a 24-hour cybercrime response hub is a critical step in combating the country's growing digital threat landscape. Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob said the decision is "timely and bold" as cybercrime today is no longer confined to online scams, but also includes threats such as identity theft, hacking, ransomware, fake investment schemes, and cyberbullying. "The expansion of the NSRC's mandate reflects a serious commitment to tackling these challenges head-on. "It's a step in the right direction – one that the public, law enforcement, and the private sector have long awaited," he told the New Straits Times. Ayub said one of the most significant improvements resulting from the move is better coordination among enforcement agencies. In the past, he said, scattered reporting mechanisms and siloed agency responses often delayed investigations and recovery efforts. "Now, with a 24-hour integrated network, agencies can act swiftly and share critical data in real time. "This kind of agility is exactly what's needed in cybercrime cases, where even a few hours can mean the difference between dismantling a syndicate or losing millions." He said the upgraded NSRC could play a vital role in reducing public losses and restoring trust in the system. "People need to know that when they report a cybercrime, action will be taken immediately. "This encourages victims to come forward without delay." However, he said infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration alone would not guarantee success, emphasising the need for greater public awareness and transparency. He urged the government to embark on an aggressive nationwide publicity campaign, leveraging both traditional and social media platforms. "It must be aired, viralled, and shared across all platforms – from television to TikTok – to reach every layer of society. "We must actively call for the public to take part, report incidents, and trust the system. Their involvement is not optional – it's essential." Ayub said MCPF, which works closely with the Home Ministry and police, would continue supporting government efforts through community outreach, education programmes, and collaboration with financial institutions. He also called for regular updates to cyber laws and closer cooperation with international enforcement agencies, as many scam syndicates operate across borders. "The digital world moves fast, and our legal frameworks must keep up. We also need international partnerships to trace and dismantle these syndicates beyond our borders." Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced that the NSRC would operate around the clock and broaden its scope to address various types of cybercrime, with the involvement of key agencies including the police, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).
