Latest news with #LungHealthInitiativeMalaysia2025-2030
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
More states encouraged to stop issuing licence for vape sales, says Dzulkefly
PUTRAJAYA: The government is encouraging more states to stop issuing licences to premises selling vapes and e-cigarettes, in line with what some states have done. "We hope more will take the position of not issuing licences to vape premises," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in a press conference on the Lung Health Initiative Malaysia 2025-2030. "Otherwise, any licences issued must strictly comply with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024," he added. When asked if the government would consider a nationwide ban, Dzulkefly said the federal government had adopted a regulatory enforcement model following the passage of the Act. "We took a firm position to regulate tobacco-related products. That is the stance and position of the federal government. "At the same time, we support state governments that have the authority not to issue vape sales licences. So let us work together," he said. Regardless of the present stance, Dzulkefly acknowledged that no legislation was static. "We will continue to review the matter," he said. On April 24, Terengganu Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah announced that the state would ban the sale of vape products at all premises from Aug 1. Wan Sukairi said the decision was a proactive measure to curb the sale and use of vape products, which might have negative health effects on the younger generation. On April 27, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said he wanted to emulate Terengganu's move, stating he would raise the matter at the state executive council meeting. Previously, both Johor and Kelantan had enforced a ban on vape and e-cigarette sales since January 2016.
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia launches AI-powered X-ray to detect lung diseases
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has launched a new AI-driven X-ray screening initiative targeting high-risk groups, with seven government health clinics identified for the pilot phase starting this year. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the effort involves the use of advanced technology — X-rays supported by artificial intelligence and analysed through data analytics to provide higher accuracy. "Screening is conducted on high-risk groups such as active smokers, those who inhale second-hand smoke, chemical industry workers, or those exposed to toxic substances," he added in a press conference on the Lung Health Initiative Malaysia 2025-2030. Dzulkefly said the new approach would run on two levels. "At the international level, I will bring this to the World Health Assembly (WHA), and at the national level we have identified seven government clinics as pilot projects," he said. Disease Control Division Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan said the screenings had already begun. "We have already begun screenings in collaboration with around 15 companies involving about 400 workers," she said. The seven clinics are Klinik Kesihatan Seberang (Penang), Klinik Kesihatan Kok Lanas (Kelantan), Klinik Kesihatan Kajang (Selangor), Klinik Kesihatan Luyang (Sabah), Klinik Kesihatan Beserah (Pahang), Klinik Kesihatan Pendang (Kedah) and Klinik Kesihatan Batu 9 Cheras (Kuala Lumpur). "These clinics will be linked to nearby hospitals for follow-up treatment and CT scans," said Noraryana. She said participants flagged for concerns would undergo a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) to further confirm the findings. "Screening will be followed by interventions where necessary," she added. "With conventional chest X-rays, sometimes our eyes cannot detect small nodules or swellings. With AI technology, we can identify such nodules more effectively," Noraryana explained. The cost of installing AI software in each clinic is about RM10,000 as a one-off expense. "The software can be used by other clinics connected to the same system, so there is no need to instal it in every health clinic," she said. "This investment is considered minimal compared to the public health returns we anticipate," she added. On Feb 26, the ministry launched the Lung Health Initiative Malaysia 2025-2030 as a proactive measure, focusing on preventive steps and awareness campaigns about contributors to the disease, such as smoking, air pollution, and occupational hazards. Besides this, the initiative also focuses on treatment and rehabilitation by improving access to faster and more efficient treatment.
