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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
CAP wants SST imposed on cigarettes in 2026 Budget
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has called for the 2026 Budget to include a sales and service tax on cigarettes. CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow said it was high time for this as cigarettes have been exempt from sales taxes for eight years. "The last SST was imposed in 2018 on tobacco products. After that, there was no tax on cigarettes for eight years, which is a big disappointment. "Smokers spend about RM500 every month. Even healthy food does not cost that much. "As such, we expect a mandatory sales tax on cigarettes in the 2026 Budget if the government wants to reduce the current number of five million smokers," he told the New Straits Times. Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, said the government was considering a proposal to raise the tobacco tax to between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of retail prices. He said the proposal was consistent with the government's health reforms. Last week, Anwar had said the government would expand its pro-health tax framework to include tobacco, vape products, and alcohol, beyond just sugary drinks, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Subbarow said evidence from countries across all income levels showed that raising cigarette prices was very effective in reducing demand. "Higher taxes encourage some smokers to quit and deter others from starting. They also reduce the number of ex-smokers who return to cigarettes and reduce consumption among continuing smokers. "Given that this fact has been confirmed in other countries, CAP hopes our prime minister will announce a sales tax on cigarettes," he added.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Delay in nationwide ban on vape slammed
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has renewed its call for an immediate nationwide ban on the sale and use of vape and e-cigarettes, as the issue is already 'out of control'. CAP said some state governments are still in talks with industry players and these engagements delay action, jeopardise public health and could have devastating consequences for Malaysian youths. 'How long will it take to consider banning vape? States that have not yet issued a ban for these products must be responsible if there are death cases, or pay for treatment due to vape use,' CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow said in a statement. He described as alarming Perak's decision to consider consultations with vape industry stakeholders before deciding on a ban. On June 4, the Perak government said it would meet electronic cigarette or vape industry players before making any decision on the proposed ban on the sale of such products in the state. However on June 22, Perak announced it would target a vape sales ban in October, pending final approval by the State Executive Council. Subsequently on July 5, Perak Health and Human Resources Committee chairman A. Sivanesan made a U-turn on the matter and confirmed that the state would consult e-cigarette and vape industry players before deciding on a ban. A comprehensive study, led by state health director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha is expected to be concluded by next month. 'If there are 50 workers, that's 50 families at stake,' Sivanesan was quoted by Bernama as saying, while highlighting the need to consider economic and employment impact. Subbarow said he did not understand why a few state governments were still discussing the ban on vape and e-cigarettes with vape industry representatives. 'It doesn't make any sense. It's a waste of time and playing with the lives of children.' Subbarow said increasing use of vape among teenagers, including young girls, is a national crisis and warned that many are unknowingly being introduced to drug-laced vape liquids. 'Vape and e-cigarettes are destroying the future of the young generation. It has been proven. 'The trend has evolved from fruit-flavoured nicotine liquids to dangerous concoctions laced with stimulants or even narcotics, marketed under names such as 'zombie' or 'magic mushroom' flavours. 'This is a new culture throughout the world. More vape liquids now contain dangerous drugs. 'These products should be banned to prevent more people from becoming addicted to these synthetic drugs. 'These drug-laced vape flavours are turning many young Malaysians into new drug addicts,' he said. The association also pointed to recent figures from the Health Ministry showing a sharp rise in adolescent vaping, from 211,084 in 2017 to 301,109 in 2022, involving those aged 13 to 15. 'If the ministry or state governments continue giving unreasonable reasons and delay action to ban vape and e-cigarettes, the number of students and individuals addicted to nicotine-laced vape drug liquid will triple by 2030,' he said. 'Each of the state governments knew this, but they are pretending not to know anything. There is no need for new committees or studies on the issue, as the statistics are there. 'The state governments must take decisive action,' Subbarow said. CAP praised the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who recently voiced full support for a total ban on vaping in Malaysia. His Majesty described vaping as a threat to public health and called for stricter enforcement to address both nicotine and drug addiction among youths. 'Vaping should be banned completely. We must not be lenient, it will only cause further harm to our people,' His Majesty was quoted as saying. He also pointed out that there is no point in having various laws and harsh punishments for drug offences if enforcement remains weak, allowing drugs to be easily obtained in the country. CAP said it would be writing official letters to all state rulers, urging them to instruct their respective governments to impose an immediate ban on vape and e-cigarettes.
Barnama
31-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
CAP's Subbarow Honoured With Tobacco Control Icon Award For Three Decades Of Advocacy
GEORGE TOWN, May 31 (Bernama) -- Veteran anti-smoking advocate and education officer of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) N. V. Subbarow, was today honoured with the Tobacco Control Icon Award for nearly three decades of public education on the dangers of smoking and substance abuse. The award was presented by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during the 2025 National Tobacco Control Conference (NTCC) and the national-level World No Tobacco Day celebration in Cyberjaya. Speaking to Bernama, Subbarow described the recognition as both an honour and renewed motivation to continue raising awareness, especially among youth, on the harms of tobacco, vaping, shisha and drugs such as cannabis. 'I've championed this cause for almost 30 years, reaching over 25,000 primary and secondary students across the country,' he said. His outreach efforts have included lectures, interactive sessions and direct discussions with students on the harmful substances in tobacco products and their impact on health. Subbarow said one of the most meaningful outcomes of his work has been seeing young people choose to quit. 'Some students have come back to tell me they stopped smoking after attending my sessions and that, to me, is a proud achievement,' he said. He said he was deeply grateful for the recognition, which further strengthens his commitment to serving the community and promoting a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle among young Malaysians. Meanwhile, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader in a statement marking World No Tobacco Day, urged the government to impose a full ban on smoking and vaping products, citing serious public health risks and the potential for increased drug dependence.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Ban vape, e-cigarettes to save lives: CAP
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has issued a strong call to action, urging both federal and state authorities to immediately ban the sale and use of vape and e-cigarettes to protect children and young people. Senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow warned that vape and e-cigarette use among children and teenagers, some as young as eight, is escalating. 'They are still studying and have not yet completed school. They are still young with ages ranging from eight to 16, but have already adopted the habit of smoking vape and e-cigarettes,' he said in a statement. Subbarow urged state governments that have not yet implemented a ban to follow the example of more proactive states and act swiftly to stop the sale of these products before more young lives are harmed. ALSO READ: Students caught vaping in school surau, set to receive disciplinary action 'The vape problem is not only in Pahang but throughout the country. The relevant ministry must take action seriously. Don't be complacent and leave this problem to the states to solve.' He also pointed out troubling trends among school students which have led to social problems as a result of smoking vape. 'Breakfast for these students is vape liquid.' Subbarow also reported disturbing incidents of students vaping inside school grounds and even in prayer rooms despite official school bans. CAP urged the Health Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry to take stronger enforcement measures in schools and universities. ALSO READ: Man shares final plea to quit vaping before dying from heart failure According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, over 14% of Malaysian teenagers aged 13 to 17 reported using e-cigarettes. The association also highlighted that the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has also called for a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vapes. Subbarow echoed concerns raised by Deputy IGP Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin, who warned that vape products have become a 'silent trap' involving synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, ecstasy and fentanyl. 'Once you smoke by mistake, you may not have time to come back', Ayob was quoted as saying. ALSO READ: 12-year-old Thai girl on ventilator as vaping destroys nearly 100% of her lungs Subbarow said the crisis has escalated beyond state-level concern and requires urgent national intervention. The federal government has opted for a regulatory approach rather than a nationwide ban. On April 24, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the federal government supports state-level actions such as not issuing vape sales licences and his ministry would regulate tobacco-related products at the national level. He also reaffirmed that the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which covers vape and e-cigarette regulations, would come into force in June. However, the Act does not include a Generational End Game (GEG). Dzulkefly clarified that this decision was based on concerns raised by the Attorney-General's Chambers regarding the constitutionality of the GEG provision, rather than lobbying pressures. Penang has not officially banned the sale of e-cigarettes and vape products. To date, Johor and Kelantan have enforced bans on vape sales since 2016, while Terengganu is set to do so in August 2025. Selangor is also reviewing a potential ban. Subbarow said there were incidents of students vaping inside school grounds and even in prayer rooms. – Pic courtesy of Consumers Association of Penang
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Student's seizure in school toilet sparks renewed vape ban calls
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has renewed its call to the Health Ministry to impose a total ban on the sales of vapes and e-cigarettes, citing their contribution to increasing social issues among students. This follows yesterday's incident where a Form Three student from a school on the outskirts of Kangar was rushed to the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital after reportedly suffering a seizure, believed to have been triggered by vaping. Preliminary investigations revealed that the student had been vaping in the school toilet with friends. However, the specific type of vape device used has yet to be identified by medical staff. CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow also urged the ministry to take heed of what Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay had to say on vaping. According to him, Ayob said state governments could take action to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes, which are now contributing to the abuse of new synthetic drugs. He said the growing trend of schoolchildren, some as young as 13, being found using vapes containing drug-related substances was an issue that, if left unchecked, could pose a new national threat. Subbarow said CAP had seen many young people falling into the trap of e-cigarettes and HTPs (Heated Tobacco Products), and becoming addicted to them. He said the liquid used in these items contained many harmful chemicals, such as nicotine, glycerine, glycol and propylene, which can cause respiratory illnesses, lung cancer and heart damage. "We call on the government to take action. We also call on educators, parents, carers and the community to continue to educate the children about the risks of vaping. "More delay in imposing a total ban on these items means more vape injury incidents in schools, as seen in Kangar yesterday. "The ministry should not practice the wait and see on attitude on this issue. Do not play with the students' lives," he told the New Straits Times. Elaborating, Subbarow said e-cigarettes also carried the risk of leaking and exploding, which could cause serious burns. He said during CAP's anti-vape, e-cigarettes and smoking talk programmes, it was found that many students were addicted to this culture. He said CAP was conducting counselling for students who confessed to being addicted. "Even though students are bared from bringing these items but they still continue to do so using various tactics. "CAP's survey found that many students use toilets as their smoking and vaping area. "This was confirmed from yesterday's case in Kangar. In another incident in March last year, a Form Two student at a secondary school in the Kangar district injured his leg after falling from the first floor roof of the school building. The incident is believed to have been caused by the student becoming delusional after smoking a vape he brought to school. "It is pointless to punish students who vape in the school. We need a total ban of the items. If nobody sells them, there will be no issue," he added, noting that many teachers had reported that vaping had a significant impact on students' behaviour and was disruptive to the learning environment.
