Latest news with #GenerationalEndGame
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Ban vape sales nationwide, says Segamat MP
KUALA LUMPUR: A member of parliament has called on the government to impose a total ban on the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes or vape products, citing the escalating threat they pose to public health, especially among youths. Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran said the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes among teenagers poses a significant threat to their well-being, with data showing that 14.9 per cent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 were vaping in 2022, up from 9.8 per cent in 2017. "This sharp increase reflects a disturbing rise in nicotine addiction among the younger generation and has serious implications for their physical and mental health," he said in a statement today. He cited medical studies showing that the nicotine content in vape liquids can impair brain development, memory and focus in teenagers, while also increasing the risk of anxiety, depression and future substance abuse. Yuneswaran also highlighted several vape-related health incidents, including a 16-year-old girl who died of acute heart failure linked to EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury), and a two-year-old child who suffered long-term neurological complications after ingesting vape liquid. As of mid-June 2023, the Health Ministry had reported 17 cases of EVALI nationwide. Yuneswaran also did not agree with the government's decision to exempt nicotine vape liquids from the Poisons Act, allowing them to be sold freely, and said the removal of the Generational End Game (GEG) clause from recent legislation was a missed opportunity to protect future generations. "The cost of treating vape-related illnesses could reach RM369 million annually by 2030, nearly offsetting the projected vape tax revenue of RM500 million. "This highlights the unsustainable burden on our public health system," he said. Several states, including Johor, Kedah and Terengganu, have already taken steps to prohibit vape sales by refusing to renew business licences for vape retailers. "These efforts must be extended nationwide. The government must act decisively. "Short-term tax gains should never outweigh long-term health consequences," Yuneswaran said.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Unmasking the vape industry: Malaysia's youths at risk
EVERY year on May 31, the world observes 'World No Tobacco Day', an initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use. This year's theme, 'Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products' is especially relevant as it reveals how the tobacco and nicotine industries target young people through manipulative marketing tactics to fuel addiction. Rapid rise in e-cigarette use In Malaysia, e-cigarette use has soared. In 2011, only about 0.8% of the population vaped, roughly 262,000 people. By 2023, this number had surged to 5.8%, an estimated 1.4 million users. Among teenage girls, the rise is particularly alarming. In 2017, 2.8% of girls, around 34,000, aged 13-17 vaped. By 2022, the percentage had more than doubled to 6.2%, which translated to over 64,000 girls. That is nearly four times higher than those who smoked traditional cigarettes, which stood at 1.7%. This surge reflects a deeply concerning shift in how nicotine is reaching young Malaysians. What was once an adult-targeted cessation tool has now become a trendy, youth-driven product. This rise is no accident. It is the result of aggressive, deliberate marketing campaigns that frame vaping as fashionable, harmless and safe. Flavours, tech and social media Vaping today is sleek, flavoured and digitally glamorised. E-cigarettes in Malaysia are available in youth-friendly flavours such as bubble gum, candy and mango, and are promoted through tech-inspired devices and influencer-driven content on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, presenting vaping as a lifestyle accessory rather than a health risk. These are not just marketing ploys; they are psychological tactics. Influencers flaunt their devices, perform vape tricks, review flavours and reinforce the myth that vaping is harmless fun. This is how addiction begins, with curiosity, peer validation and the illusion of control. WHO warns that these tactics are not just misleading but predatory, designed to exploit teenage curiosity and peer pressure to hook a new generation on nicotine. 'I can quit anytime': A costly misconception Many young people believe that they can quit vaping at any time but research says otherwise. Nicotine is highly addictive, especially to developing brains. It alters brain chemistry, affects memory and attention, and increases the risk of anxiety, depression and future substance abuse. Malaysia is already witnessing consequences such as cases of seizures, breathing difficulties and even death among youths linked to nicotine overdose or contamination in vape liquids. A Missed Opportunity In 2023, Malaysia made progress by passing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, a significant step forward in regulating traditional tobacco and electronic cigarettes. However, a key element was removed, the Generational End Game (GEG) clause, which would have banned the sale of nicotine products to anyone born after 2007. GEG could have protected future generations from addiction. Its removal was a missed opportunity. Without firm enforcement, especially of online sales, age verification and advertising bans, the law risks becoming ineffective. WHO's message: Ban flavours, expose tactics, protect youths WHO urges governments to ban youth-targeted flavours and to expose how the industry manipulates public perception for profit. Malaysia must take this seriously as we cannot let addiction define the health of our future generations. Malaysia must enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, ensuring that retailers, especially online sellers, strictly adhere to age verification, remove promotional content and are held accountable for violations. The GEG policy must be reinstated to protect future generations from nicotine addiction. Flavoured vape products, which are unnecessary for adult cessation and dangerously attractive to youth, must be banned. Action is also needed to curb the spread of vape-related content on social media by collaborating with tech companies to limit exposure to minors and launch counter-campaigns to debunk myths and share real health risks. Education is key. Teachers and parents should be taught to identify signs of vaping, communicate effectively with youths and support quitting efforts. Schools should implement structured anti-vape programmes such as Kesihatan Oral Tanpa Amalan Merokok to assist students in quitting smoking and vaping. Finally, youth-centric cessation support must be prioritised, offering counselling and treatment without judgement. World No Tobacco Day is more than symbolic, it is a wake-up call. Let us not be the generation that stayed silent while our youths were targeted. If we do not act now, we risk turning a generation's health over to an industry that profits from addiction. This year, let us honour our youths, not just with awareness, but with action. Dr Wee Lei Hum is a professor at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University. Comments: letters@
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
WHO applauds Malaysia's tobacco reforms, backed by pharmacists, advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ministry of Health deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement today, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. 'Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He noted that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. 'The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
WHO applauds Malaysia's tobacco reforms
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ministry of Health deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement today, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. 'Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He noted that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. 'The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
WHO applauds Malaysia's tobacco reforms, backed by pharmacists, advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Health Ministry deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement on Saturday (May 31), the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. "Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He said that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. "The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.- Bernama
