Latest news with #DiseaseControlDivision
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
MOH enforces smoking rules to protect public health
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) today reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict enforcement and control on the contents and emissions of all types of smoking products to safeguard public health and safety. In a statement today, MOH clarified that the importation, manufacturing and distribution of e-cigarette liquids in the local market are strictly regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] The ministry's Disease Control Division stated that the issuance of interim manufacturing licences for such devices falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) under the Industrial Coordination Act 1975 and local authority by-laws. MOH noted that under Section 2 of Act 852 and its accompanying regulations and orders, e-cigarette liquids are defined as smoking products and therefore strictly regulated. The ministry also clarified that multiple government agencies are involved in regulating the e-cigarette industry in Malaysia, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, which oversees import controls under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2008. In addition, safety standard testing for devices is conducted by SIRIM and enforced under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022, under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. It stated that any decision regarding the import, manufacturing and distribution of e-cigarette liquids is a collective decision made by all relevant government agencies. MOH issued the clarification following media reports on May 28 that U.S.-based vape and e-cigarette company Ispire Technology Inc. had been granted a temporary licence to operate in Senai, Johor.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
MOH reaffirms strict enforcement on smoking products to safeguard public health
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) today reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict enforcement and control on the contents and emissions of all types of smoking products to safeguard public health and safety. In a statement today, MOH clarified that the importation, manufacturing and distribution of e-cigarette liquids in the local market are strictly regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] The ministry's Disease Control Division stated that the issuance of interim manufacturing licences for such devices falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) under the Industrial Coordination Act 1975 and local authority by-laws. MOH noted that under Section 2 of Act 852 and its accompanying regulations and orders, e-cigarette liquids are defined as smoking products and therefore strictly regulated. The ministry also clarified that multiple government agencies are involved in regulating the e-cigarette industry in Malaysia, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, which oversees import controls under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2008. In addition, safety standard testing for devices is conducted by SIRIM and enforced under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022, under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. It stated that any decision regarding the import, manufacturing and distribution of e-cigarette liquids is a collective decision made by all relevant government agencies. MOH issued the clarification following media reports on May 28 that U.S.-based vape and e-cigarette company Ispire Technology Inc. had been granted a temporary licence to operate in Senai, Johor.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Deploying AI to boost early detection of lung disease
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is taking a bold step in the early detection of lung disease by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) software at selected public health clinics to analyse chest X-rays. The initiative seeks to curb the nation's alarmingly high rate of late-stage lung cancer diagnoses. Currently, 90% to 95% of cases are only detected at Stage 3 or 4 when treatment is far less effective and survival rates plummet. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the rollout signals a fundamental shift in the national approach to lung health, anchoring it within a more integrated public health strategy targeting both communicable and non-communicable diseases. 'Instead of treating each disease in isolation, we're now focusing on the lungs as a central point of intervention – an organ that's exposed to multiple risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, occupational hazards and infections,' he said at the Health Ministry headquarters yesterday. 'This technology allows us to monitor lung health in a more comprehensive and proactive way, enabling earlier, more effective interventions before diseases progress to advanced stages.' Disease Control Division (Non-Communicable Diseases) deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan said the AI software, once integrated with existing X-ray machines, will enhance the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. 'The system can detect abnormalities like nodules or shadowing that may escape the human eye, thus improving the likelihood of catching diseases like lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage,' she said. The pilot phase will see the AI technology deployed at seven public health clinics, each serving as a regional analysis hub. The clinics selected are Seberang Perai (Penang), Kok Lanas (Kelantan), Kajang (Selangor), Luyang (Sabah), Beserah (Pahang), Pendang (Kedah) and Batu 9 Cheras (Kuala Lumpur). Clinics not equipped with the software can refer X-ray images to these hubs for analysis. Each centre will also coordinate with nearby hospitals for follow-up consultations and access to advanced diagnostics such as CT scans. Noraryana said the one-off cost of installing the AI software is approximately RM10,000 per clinic, but added that its accessibility across clinic networks means it does not need to be installed at every site. The AI initiative falls under the Malaysia Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030, a national roadmap aimed at transforming how lung diseases are detected, treated and prevented. The plan targets major respiratory illnesses including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and tuberculosis. It emphasises early screening, public education, integrated care and coordinated action to reduce exposure to known risk factors. Additional components include enhanced anti-smoking campaigns, stricter enforcement of the newly passed Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), improved workplace safety protocols and national-level efforts to address air pollution. The initiative also aims to reduce the burden of preventable respiratory diseases by tackling root causes such as tobacco use, second-hand smoke exposure, environmental pollutants and occupational risks. Malaysia will further elevate the conversation to the global stage with plans to table a resolution on integrated lung health at the upcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rabid bat found in Orange County, health officials say
A bat infected with rabies was found near Rancho Santa Margarita Lake in Orange County this month, health authorities said. The bat was discovered on April 17 and taken in for testing as part of the county's routine rabies surveillance effort, according to the OC Health Care Agency. The infected bat's carcass was frozen and then sent to the California Department of Public Health. The OC Health Care Agency encourages anyone who made physical contact with the bat — or saw anyone else do so — to inform its Disease Control Division to determine the risk of infection. Owners of pets that may have touched the bat are also asked to contact health authorities. Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once someone begins to show symptoms, according to the Health Care Agency. That's why it's important for people to seek medical assistance promptly after a possible exposure, officials say. Read more: Fresno County woman dies after being bitten by rabid bat in her classroom The virus is spread through an infected animal's saliva, usually during a bite. Because bats have small teeth, their bites typically go unnoticed, heightening the risk of infection. As of April, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has documented two rabid bats this year, both around the Santa Clarita area. One of the bats was found dead in a residential backyard, the other was alive in the front yard of a home. In 2024, Fresno County recorded its first human rabies fatality in more than 30 years. The person was infected after being bitten by a bat. Human cases of rabies are rare, but bats are the leading source of transmission, according to Orange County health officials. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
