Latest news with #DanielGooi
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Penang to meet vape industry before deciding on possible sales ban
GEORGETOWN: The Penang government will engage with vape industry players before making any decision on a potential ban on the sale of vape products in the state. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government had received a letter from representatives of the vape industry regarding the matter. "They wanted us to hear them out, and we are prepared to do so. "I have instructed the relevant state executive council member to meet with them and listen to their concerns," he told reporters today, adding that the letter was received recently. Last month, State Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi told the state legislative assembly that Penang might consider imposing a statewide ban on the sale of vape products next year if enforcement under the new smoking control law proves ineffective. The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into force on Oct 1 last year, aims to strengthen regulations on the sale, advertising, and promotion of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape, across Malaysia. The Act specifically targets individuals under the age of 18, prohibiting them from selling, purchasing or using any smoking product by any means. Chow added that Penang was not the only state considering a statewide ban on the sale of vape products. He said several other states were also exploring the same move. "Of course, we are aware of the health risks associated with the irresponsible use of vape products. "However, there are other issues we need to consider. Imposing a ban will have various consequences and may not effectively address the social problems related to the underground sale of vape products. "As such, we need to study the matter carefully before making any decision," he added.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Patients wait an average of 205 days for speech therapy appointments in Penang govt hospitals, state assembly told
GEORGE TOWN, May 22 — Children with speech and language delays in Penang wait an average of 205 days to see a speech therapist at a government hospital, the state legislative assembly heard today. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, said the number of children with special needs in Penang has continued to rise annually, while the number of speech therapists remains insufficient. 'The number of children with speech or language delays registered in government hospitals in Penang last year was 6,781, while the number of speech therapists under the state health department was seven,' he said in response to a question by Heng Lee Lee (DAP – Berapit) on the number of children with special needs in the state, during the assembly today. He said this translated to an average waiting time of 205 days for speech therapy treatment for each patient last year. Gooi added that the state has applied for additional speech therapy positions and raised the issue with the health ministry, but to no avail. 'The feedback we received is that no additional positions will be offered at this time,' he said. He said the department of paediatrics of the state Health Department is now taking steps to train parents so they can continue treatment with their children independently. 'The health department has conducted various workshops and training sessions for parents so that they can help with their children's treatment,' he said. He added that the health department is also proposing collaboration with private hospitals to reduce waiting times for patients. Gooi said the number of children with special needs in Penang totalled 6,165 as of May 2025, compared to 4,547 in 2021. A majority of the children had learning disabilities (5,264 as of May 2025), followed by physical disabilities (326), hearing impairment (233), multiple disabilities (173), visual impairment (145), and speech delays (24).
The Star
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Penang mulling ban on sales of vape, e-cigarette products
GEORGE TOWN: Penang may ban the sales of vape and e-cigarette products if current enforcement efforts prove ineffective. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi the state is monitoring the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which includes a mechanism to regulate sales of vape and e-cigarette products. The Act was introduced in Oct 1, 2024. "Let the regulatory mechanism for e-cigarettes and vape products, introduced under the Act, be fully implemented first. 'We are now in the product registration phase for these items. Full enforcement of the Act is scheduled to begin on Oct 1, 2025. 'We will only consider a state-wide ban on vape and e-cigarette sales if the impact of the enforcement is not good enough. "This is to ensure the health and well-being of Penangites, especially our youth," he said during his winding-up speech at the state assembly session on Monday (May 19). The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 imposes strict regulations on the use, sale and display of smoking products in Malaysia. The law designates various places such as entertainment centres, hospitals, clinics, public toilets and air-conditioned shops as no-smoking zones. It prohibits the sale of all vape and tobacco products within 40m of any school or university and also bans online or vending machine sales. He said there are around 200 vape shops operating in the state. 'We also have regulatory authority under the Local Government Act to oversee the sale of disposable vape pods in convenience stores,' he said. Gooi said the state government would review the enforcement mechanism and develop a targeted strategy to curb vape use at state level. 'This issue must be addressed strategically to prevent unintended consequences, such as illegal sales and smuggling,' he added.
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang may ban vape sales if federal anti-smoking law fails to curb use, says exco
GEORGE TOWN, May 21 — The Penang state government is considering a complete ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) if the full enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) does not effectively curb their use. Penang health, youth and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen expressed readiness to consider such a ban to safeguard public health, especially among the youth. 'Act 852 will be fully enforced from October 1 this year, so we will assess the effectiveness of this mechanism,' Gooi said during his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly today. He noted that the implementation of the Act is currently in the registration phase for vape or electronic cigarette products. The Act provides a mechanism to regulate the supply, sale, and registration of smoking products, including vapes, and notably bans the sale of these devices to minors; it has been enforced in phases since October 1 last year. Gooi stated that the state government fully supports the ban on the sale of vapes to minors. 'The state government has also taken a stand to discourage the sale of smoking products, particularly electronic cigarettes and vapes, in line with efforts to protect public health,' he said. He added that the state government will evaluate the enforcement mechanisms provided and formulate strategies to reduce vape use in Penang. 'This matter needs to be handled strategically to ensure that issues such as black market sales and smuggling are effectively addressed as follow-up concerns,' Gooi cautioned. Yesterday, Selangor directed its local councils to seize all vape-related advertisements across the state with immediate effect.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang National Youth Day programmes ‘Yakin Boleh' attract 70,000 attendees, says Gooi
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will celebrate the state-level National Youth Day 2025 on May 17 and 18 at the Hin Bus Depot. State youth committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the theme this year would be 'Yakin Boleh' as a symbol of the younger generation challenging themselves in facing all odds, which is in line with the National Youth Policy of bringing down the age to 30 from 2026. "There will be various programmes including a career carnival and TVET, e-Sports and sports activities and lifestyle programmes," said Gooi at a press conference at Komtar on Thursday (May 15). "We are targeting around 70,000 youth to take part in the programme, which will also feature interactive activities, competition, sales, workshops, voluntary programmes, including the 'Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara' (state level) as a recognition of individuals and exemplary youth organisations. Gooi said the youth day promises a big impact on youth and social development, as well as bolstering the economy and boosting patriotism and leadership in the younger generation.
