Latest news with #NationalHealthandMorbiditySurvey
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia
KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to introduce strict laws prohibiting vape products laced with illegal substances like synthetic drugs. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the growing misuse of vape, particularly among young people, as a serious public health issue. 'Vape was initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, but it has now been exploited for drug abuse and addiction,' he said. Abdul Karim, who also leads the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), stressed the need for urgent legal action following a State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting. He suggested that authorities consider either a complete ban on vape or restrict it to nicotine-based products, similar to regulated tobacco items. 'A blanket ban may not be practical since some users consume vape responsibly. However, if it involves illegal substances like 'magic mushrooms' or synthetic drugs, strict laws must be enforced,' he added. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that Sarawak has the highest vape usage rate among Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17, with 20.3% prevalence, affecting an estimated 39,608 individuals. - Bernama
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
VitaHealth, Tropicana expand OFFLINE 16 to champion mental wellness in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corp Bhd and VitaHealth Malaysia have expanded OFFLINE 16, a wellness movement designed to promote preventive mental well-being through real-world experiences that encourage Malaysians to unplug, reconnect, and build healthier habits. Ixora Ang, managing director of sales, marketing and business development at Tropicana, said: "Our mission is to create sustainable, liveable townships that truly support the people who call them home. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) isn't just about the environment and governance; it is about the people too. OFFLINE 16 shows how this vision goes beyond buildings; it's about giving everyone a chance to unplug, reconnect, and care for their wellbeing together." Ang said Tropicana is proud to champion this wellness movement with VitaHealth, Tropicana Foundation and event sponsor TGCR. Mental health is an increasingly pressing issue in Malaysia, with nearly one million adults – about 4.6 per cent of the population – living with depression, almost double the figure recorded in 2019. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, one in six children also face mental health challenges. The rise in digital dependency is compounding this crisis, as excessive screen time is increasingly linked to anxiety, depression and social isolation. Despite growing awareness, access to mental health support remains limited. The WHO World Mental Health Surveys indicate that up to 78 per cent of people in upper-middle-income countries still do not receive the mental health care they need. Dr KS Beh, chief executive officer of VitaHealth (Malaysia & Singapore) and founder of OFFLINE 16, said the idea stemmed from witnessing how screen time was consuming people's lives. "The idea to go offline came to me when I noticed how screen time was taking over people's lives, leaving them disconnected and mentally drained. That sparked the birth of OFFLINE 16, a movement inviting people to unplug and reconnect meaningfully while building a happier community." Since its launch in 2024, OFFLINE 16 has steadily gained momentum. The inaugural edition attracted more than 300 participants. To date, the movement has clocked 30 offline hours across five editions, engaging participants through various themed activities that combine physical, mental and social wellness for this year's OFFLINE 16. The 2025 rollout began in May with a pickleball challenge in Penang that attracted 200 participants, followed by a matures's retreat at FRIM, Kepong, and a beach cleanup in Sabah, which together engaged another 300 participants. The main event will take place on August 16 at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort (TGCR) and is expected to be the largest edition yet. Highlights include a pickleball session with VitaHealth ambassadors, Olympian Pearly Tan and Malaysia's top pickleball player Colin Wong, along with interactive games, wellness workshops, live jazz performances, recycling activities, DIY arts and crafts, health screenings, mental wellness games, and a relaxation zone complete with reading nooks and massage chairs. The final retreat for 2025 will be hosted in October and will focus on providing a restful resort experience, featuring activities that encourage participants to pause and recharge. All participants will receive exclusive wellness packs worth over RM300 and stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth up to RM15,000. OFFLINE 16 is supported by Tropicana Foundation and event sponsor TGCR, with Big Caring Group also lending its support. Big Caring Group's chief marketing officer, Wong Siew Lai, believes that health should encompass not only medication but also mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. With over 500 participants already engaged this year, VitaHealth and Tropicana are well on track to meet their target of 1,200.
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Rise in vaping among youth an alarming trend, says Malaysia's Health Ministry
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Malaysia's Health Ministry has implemented interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. KULAI, Johor - While Malaysia has made progress in reducing adult smoking rates, the rise in vaping is an alarming trend, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. He cited findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showing that the adult smoking rate dropped from 22.4 per cent in 2019 to 19.8 per cent in 2023. 'However, vape use increased from 4.9 per cent to 5.1 per cent over the same period. Even more concerning is the growing number of children, or underage persons, taking up electronic smoking products. 'This is not just a health issue but a social one,' he said in his speech during the state-level World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day held on July 12. Mr Lukanisman urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children, warning that early exposure to nicotine could lead to long-term organ damage and other behavioural problems. He added the ministry has taken a firm stance by implementing comprehensive interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. Mr Lukanisman said one initiative is the Walkabout Premis Bersih, Bebas Asap (BeBAs) programme, which encourages food premises to maintain cleanliness and enforce smoke-free zones, especially in restaurants and hawker areas. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Singapore More NSFs may be recruited to tackle scams: Police Business F&B operators face tougher business landscape amid rising costs and stiff competition Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Life SG60 F&B icons: 20 dishes and drinks which have shaped Singaporeans' taste buds Life At 79, she can do 100 pull-ups: Why more seniors are hitting the gym Life The rise of Tupai King, the rage of weather: How durian season is changing Life Hear Me Out: What I wish my parents knew before I was diagnosed with ADHD 'BeBAs is a multi-agency effort involving government bodies, NGOs, professional organisations, and corporate partners. It aims to drive public understanding and compliance with smoke-free regulations. 'The ministry has also partnered with the Education Ministry to launch the Kotak (Oral Health Without Smoking) programme in schools, working alongside groups like the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), and Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam),' he added. Mr Lukanisman also said to further bolster enforcement, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) officially came into force on 1 October last year. 'This law gives us broader authority to regulate not only tobacco but also vaping products. 'Through Ops Cakna under this Act, we are sending a clear message that the government is serious about protecting public health, especially school children, from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping,' he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Rise in vaping among youth an alarming trend, says Health Ministry
KULAI: While Malaysia has made progress in reducing adult smoking rates, the rise in vaping is an alarming trend, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. He cited findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showing that the adult smoking rate dropped from 22.4% in 2019 to 19.8% in 2023. 'However, vape use increased from 4.9% to 5.1% over the same period. Even more concerning is the growing number of children, or underage persons, taking up electronic smoking products. 'This is not just a health issue but a social one,' he said in his speech during the state-level World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day held on Saturday (July 12). Lukanisman urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children, warning that early exposure to nicotine could lead to long-term organ damage and other behavioural problems. He added the ministry has taken a firm stance by implementing comprehensive interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. Lukanisman said one initiative is the Walkabout Premis Bersih, Bebas Asap (BeBAs) programme, which encourages food premises to maintain cleanliness and enforce smoke-free zones, especially in restaurants and hawker areas. 'BeBAs is a multi-agency effort involving government bodies, NGOs, professional organisations, and corporate partners. It aims to drive public understanding and compliance with smoke-free regulations. 'The ministry has also partnered with the Education Ministry to launch the Kotak (Oral Health Without Smoking) programme in schools, working alongside groups like the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), and Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam),' he added. Lukanisman also said to further bolster enforcement, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) officially came into force on 1 October last year. 'This law gives us broader authority to regulate not only tobacco but also vaping products. 'Through Ops Cakna under this Act, we are sending a clear message that the government is serious about protecting public health, especially school children, from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping,' he added.
Focus Malaysia
11-07-2025
- Health
- Focus Malaysia
NGO: Enforce smoking control act to protect underage Sarawakians from dangers of vaping
PERTUBUHAN Transformasi Dayak (TRADA), an advocacy group for Sarawak's youth, has expressed concern with recent news highlighting that Sarawak recorded the highest number of underage vape users based on the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). This has prompted TRADA president Joseph Janting to regard the issue as requiring immediate and focused attention by all relevant authorities. Concurring with the Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development' Ministry's commitment to find a solution on the matter, he pointed to existing legal framework, namely the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) which came into effect on Oct 1 last year. 'It is critical to recognise that in 2022 when the NHMS data was collected, there were no laws in place to regulate the vape industry,' recalled Janting. 'The difference today is that we now have Act 852, a dedicated regulatory framework for vape products which we must fully leverage to address the issue through firm and consistent enforcement.' Janting further warned of recent reports which revealed the open sale of drug-laced vape products on social media and e-commerce platforms. 'Often disguised as flavoured vape and marketed to younger users, these illegal products highlight the urgent need for targeted enforcement rather than blanket bans,' he stressed. 'We're encouraged that the Ministry is taking proactive steps to address this issue, hence hoping to see strong enforcement against those who continue to sell to the underage. 'As a Sarawak-based NGO, TRADA stands ready to support efforts that safeguard our underaged from harm while ensuring regulations are fairly and effectively implemented.' In a related development, TRADA also stressed the importance of directing enforcement efforts at irresponsible and illegal sellers who are knowingly violating the law by selling to the underage. 'Legal players are now subject to strict licensing, registration and compliance requirements under Act 852 but it's illegal, unregulated sellers who pose the real risk to underage individuals,' observed Janting. 'These bad actors must be dealt with seriously, with tough penalties to deter future violations.' As long-term solution, TRADA is of the opinion that banning legal vape sales will only escalate the growth of underaged vape uses in Sarawak. 'The real danger lies in unregulated online platforms where illegal, drug-laced products are being sold with little oversight. Enforcement, not prohibition, is what will protect the underage,' insisted Janting. 'We urge all relevant agencies at both federal and state levels to work together to enforce Act 852 decisively to ensure that Sarawak's next generation is protected from harm through smart, targeted action.' – July 11, 2025
