Latest news with #OpSelamatParu-Paru
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
No new vape licences in Pahang as state prepares for 2026 ban
KUANTAN: All 11 local authorities across Pahang have been instructed to stop issuing licences for the sale of vape products. Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim, said the move aligns with the state government's decision to ban vaping and the use of electronic cigarettes starting next year. "I urge the cooperation of all local councils to exercise their authority by refraining from approving or issuing licences for vape sales. "For now, traders have been given until Dec 31 to clear their existing stock. After that, enforcement action will be taken," he told reporters after launching the state-level 'Op Selamat Paru-Paru' campaign at the Pahang Health Department headquarters here today. On June 11, the Pahang government announced that the Pahang Mufti's Department had issued a fatwa prohibiting the use of vape. Pahang Islamic Religious Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman, Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad, said he hopes business premises across Pahang will stop selling vaping devices. Meanwhile, regarding Op Selamat Paru-Paru, Razali said the Pahang health authorities have issued 7,390 notices for smoking-related offences during 551 enforcement operations since October last year. He said the Pahang Health Department has opened 35 investigation papers for various offences, including illegal advertising, online sales, the sale of toy-shaped vapes, and the sale of cigarettes below the minimum price.
The Sun
02-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH inspects 281,000 premises under Op Selamat Papa to curb smoking
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has inspected 281,381 premises nationwide under Op Selamat Paru-Paru (Op Selamat PaPa) since its launch on October 1, 2024. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that 459 investigation papers were opened under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). Of these cases, 340 involved advertising smoking products, 68 were related to selling smoking products at non-compliant prices, and 51 concerned improper manufacturing, importing, or distributing of smoking products. 'This operation is crucial to shield the younger generation from the risks of smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape,' Dzulkefly said during a press conference after the national launch of Op Selamat PaPa. The minister also participated in an enforcement operation at KL Traders Square, distributing flyers on Act 852 to traders. The law, enforced since October 1, 2024, tightens regulations on the sale, advertising, and promotion of smoking products, particularly targeting minors under 18, who are barred from purchasing or selling such items. - Bernama
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
MOH outlines RM40 billion plan to strengthen healthcare under 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is committed to strengthening Malaysia's healthcare service delivery and enhancing digitalisation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), backed by a RM40 billion allocation. With 1.6 per cent increase from the previous plan, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry fully supports the Madani government's vision of building a more sustainable and resilient national healthcare system, anchored by five pillars under the health reform strategy. He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah and the Economy Ministry for their leadership in shaping the 13MP. "Among the key reforms is the strengthening of health financing and governance, including the expansion of the Rakan KKM initiative as an additional option for paid elective treatment in public health facilities. "The ministry will also introduce a basic private health insurance/takaful product by December, conduct a study towards the establishment of a national health fund, optimisation of health tax mechanisms and expansion of high-value outsourcing initiatives," he said in a press conference here today after launching Op Selamat Paru-Paru. The second pillar, he said, focuses on enhancing health promotion and security by cultivating a health-literate society and encouraging behavioural change for healthier living. He said the ministry would also ramp up preparedness for health emergencies and disease control, including the formation of a dedicated health disaster task force, increased focus on rare diseases and preparations for an ageing population. On empowering the healthcare service delivery ecosystem, Dzulkefly said the ministry would develop a national framework for workforce professional development and boost talent capacity. This includes integrating cluster hospitals with primary healthcare services and investing in high-impact medical research and innovation. "We will also strengthen the "one individual, one record" as the foundation of a digital health system and generate high-impact health analytics with artificial intelligence support. "The ministry will also enhance the national regulatory system for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and increase the production capacity of local manufacturers, among other measures," he said. The 13MP is a key policy document that will guide Malaysia's policies over the next five years, involving a budget of RM611 billion. The 13MP, covering 2026 to 2030, sets out progressive and realistic objectives to spur economic growth, raise household incomes and ensure inclusive development across all sectors.
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry to present vape ban timeline to Cabinet
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will present a timeline for a full ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes to the Cabinet, pending input from health experts. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry is currently awaiting recommendations from the health expert community before taking the next step. "As for a timeline, I cannot provide an exact date. What I can confirm is that we will continue to review and evaluate the matter. "Once the expert community provides its recommendation to the ministry and the minister, we will present it to the Cabinet for consideration," he said at a press conference after Op Selamat Paru-Paru (Op Selamat PaPa) here today. Dzulkefly said the ministry is currently in the educational enforcement phase of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which regulates vaping products and is scheduled for full enforcement on Oct 1. He said the ministry now is moving towards a total ban on vape products based on scientific and medical evidence including real-life cases. "I want to reiterate that the issue is not if a ban will happen, but when. It is only a matter of time. "We want this to be executed thoroughly, not hastily, because there are significant legal implications, public health consequences and evidence that must be carefully scrutinised. "We will proceed based on a detailed, evidence-based approach," he said. He said any decision regarding a full ban would also need to consider legal and policy impacts, and the ministry is committed to a measured approach that weighs all relevant factors. Meanwhile, on Op Selamat PaPa, he said as of now, 281,381 premises have been inspected nationwide, and 459 investigation papers have been opened for various offences. Of these, he said, 340 cases were opened under Section 7 for the offence of advertising smoking products. "Another 68 investigation papers were opened under section 14 for selling smoking products not in accordance with the prescribed pricing and conditions. "51 investigation papers were opened under section 15 for manufacturing, importing or distributing smoking products that do not comply with packaging and labelling requirements," he said. He said upon conviction, first-time corporate offenders face a fine of RM20,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. For repeat offences, he said, the penalty increases to a fine of RM50,000 to RM300,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Barnama
28-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MOH To Launch Op Selamat PaPa On Aug 1
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) will launch the Op Selamat Paru-Paru (Op Selamat PaPa) on Aug 1 to strengthen enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), particularly involving electronic cigarettes or vape, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the operation not only aims to protect men, who make up the majority of smokers, but also women and other family members exposed to second-hand smoke or passive smoking. 'Data from the National Cancer Registry shows that 8,091 cases of lung cancer were recorded between 2022 and 2023, involving 5,251 men and 2,840 women,' he said when replying to a question from Datuk Ahmad Saad (PN-Pokok Sena). Dzulkefly said the MOH welcomes and supports the decision by several state governments not to renew licences for premises selling vape products. Replying to a supplementary question from Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong), he said the ministry is reviewing an immediate ban on the use of open systems that allow vape liquids to be modified or contaminated with illicit substances. 'As of June 2025, a total of 58 investigation papers have been opened, and nearly 70 per cent of them tested positive for illicit substances in vape liquids, including methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids,' he said. Dzulkefly told a press conference later that the ministry is studying in detail the move towards a total ban on the use and sale of vapes in Malaysia. 'Act 852 is a regulatory law and does not address the issue of prohibition, so if a ban is to be implemented, it must be based on a new proposal,' he said. He added that any proposal for a full ban would take into account various factors, including scientific evidence, Electronic Cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) cases, legal aspects, implications for industry and the economy, as well as enforcement effectiveness.
