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The Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH forms special committee to tackle vape misuse in schools
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has set up a special committee to address the misuse of electronic cigarettes or vape, particularly among school students, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the committee was formed following several viral incidents on social media involving student vape use, as well as cases that led to the deaths of vape users. 'This committee will meet soon and subsequently present its views and recommendations to me,' he told a press conference after attending the 2025 National Midwives and Nurses Day celebration here today. He added that the ministry's Public Health Division (BKA) is currently reviewing the effectiveness of existing enforcement and legislation related to vape misuse. 'The findings and discussions will be presented to the committee, which is chaired by deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, together with public health consultant Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman,' he said. Dr Dzulkefly said the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) was also a key reason behind the formation of the committee to curb vape usage. 'We are currently assessing the impact of existing regulations and conducting surveillance of vape-related cases,' he said. Recently, a 10-second video went viral on social media, showing a group of school students using vape devices in a surau. Another viral video featured an individual claiming to have suffered health complications due to vape addiction before he died last Wednesday.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH forms special committee to tackle vape abuse among students
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has set up a special committee to address the misuse of electronic cigarettes or vape, particularly among school students, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the committee was formed following several viral incidents on social media involving student vape use, as well as cases that led to the deaths of vape users. 'This committee will meet soon and subsequently present its views and recommendations to me,' he told a press conference after attending the 2025 National Midwives and Nurses Day celebration here today. He added that the ministry's Public Health Division (BKA) is currently reviewing the effectiveness of existing enforcement and legislation related to vape misuse. 'The findings and discussions will be presented to the committee, which is chaired by deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, together with public health consultant Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman,' he said. Dr Dzulkefly said the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) was also a key reason behind the formation of the committee to curb vape usage. 'We are currently assessing the impact of existing regulations and conducting surveillance of vape-related cases,' he said. Recently, a 10-second video went viral on social media, showing a group of school students using vape devices in a surau. Another viral video featured an individual claiming to have suffered health complications due to vape addiction before he died last Wednesday.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
One of the top five infectious diseases for smokers in Penang
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Tuberculosis, or TB, remains among the top five most reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups. State Health deputy director (Public Health Division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said they are more susceptible to the infection due to a weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. 'Based on last year's observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men. 'Through the data obtained, we identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focused on these groups,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah 2025, here today. Dr Rozaini said that according to last year's statistics, 1,273 new and recurring TB cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, down from 156 the previous year. She said despite a 2.3 per cent decrease, TB remains the state's top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). According to her, the Penang State Health Department will consistently intensify TB-related health education programmes. Dr Rozaini urged the public to lead a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure against diseases. She said World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention.
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Smokers, elderly men most susceptible to TB, Penang data shows
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Tuberculosis, or TB, remains among the top five most reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups. State Health deputy director (Public Health Division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said they are more susceptible to the infection due to a weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. "Based on last year's observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men. "Through the data obtained, we identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focused on these groups," she told reporters after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah 2025, here today. Dr Rozaini said that according to last year's statistics, 1,273 new and recurring TB cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, down from 156 the previous year. She said despite a 2.3 per cent decrease, TB remains the state's top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). According to her, the Penang State Health Department will consistently intensify TB-related health education programmes. Dr Rozaini advised the public to lead a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure against diseases. She said World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention. – BERNAMA
The Star
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
TB among top five diseases affecting Penang smokers
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top five most-reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups. State Health deputy director (Public Health Division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said they are more susceptible to the infection due to a weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. "Based on last year's observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men. "Through the data obtained, we identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focused on these groups,' she said. Dr Rozaini said this when speaking to reporters after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah 2025, here today. She said that according to last year's statistics, 1,273 new and recurring TB cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, down from 156 the previous year. She said despite a 2.3% decrease, TB remains the state's top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). According to her, the Penang State Health Department will consistently intensify TB-related health education programmes. Dr Rozaini urged the public to lead a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure against diseases. She said World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention. - Bernama
