Latest news with #SafeLungsOperation
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
2023 survey: Sarawak records highest smoking rate in Malaysia, teenage use alarming
Wee (front, right) flagging off the convoy for the 2025 Sarawak-level Safe Lungs Operation accompanied by Dr Veronica (front, second right). KUCHING (July 13): Sarawak has the highest proportion of adult smokers in Malaysia according to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, with teenage smoking emerging as an alarming trend, said state Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah. She said 28.5 per cent of Sarawakians aged 15 and above smoke — up from 22 per cent in 2019. 'In 2019, the proportion of adult smokers aged 15 and above was 22 per cent. By 2023, it had risen to more than 28 per cent. This is not a statistic that Sarawak can be proud of. 'Another alarming issue is the teenage smoking rate,' she said during the launch of the 2025 Sarawak-level Safe Lungs Operation (Ops Selamat PaPa) today. Also present was Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Sarawak also ranks second nationwide for tobacco use among teenagers aged 13 to 17, according to the 2022 Adolescent Health Survey, and first for e-cigarette use at 20.3 per cent. From October 2024 to June 2025, the Health Department carried out 2,281 enforcement operations and inspected 40,691 premises. This resulted in 5,605 compounds worth RM1.38 million for offences under Section 47, and eight court cases related to the advertising, promotion, and sale of smoking products. Dr Veronica said Ops Selamat PaPa combines public awareness campaigns, preventive measures, and enforcement under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which took effect on Oct 1 last year. The law regulates all smoking products, including e-cigarettes, and strengthens enforcement powers. The initiative focuses on reducing smoking and second-hand smoke exposure among vulnerable groups such as children, teenagers, pregnant women, and the elderly, through health education, cross-agency collaboration, and stricter enforcement. She expressed confidence in the Sarawak government's support and cooperation from agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and the public in creating a smoke-free generation and healthier environment. Dr Veronica Lugah National Health and Morbidity Survey smoking teenage
The Sun
7 days ago
- The Sun
Kelantan vape traders evade enforcement using legal business fronts
KOTA BHARU: Vape traders in Kelantan are reportedly disguising their operations behind legitimate businesses to avoid enforcement. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah revealed the tactic is used to bypass regulations on unlicensed vape sales. 'These premises appear to be running normal operations, but are selling vape products illegally,' he said. He spoke after launching the state-level 'Op Selamat Paru-Paru' (Safe Lungs Operation) in Panji. Kelantan Health Department deputy director Dr Ahmad Faris Awang was also present at the event. Hilmi confirmed that local authorities are increasing inspections to curb illegal vape sales. 'To date, the state government has not issued any licences for the sale of vape products,' he added. Continuous operations will target the illegal trade, which remains widespread despite enforcement efforts. As of July, 65 raids have seized 2,425 vape devices and 42,159 units of nicotine liquid statewide. The Kota Bharu Municipal Council recorded the highest seizures at 21,500 units. Tumpat District Council followed with 9,767 units, while Tanah Merah and Pasir Puteh seized 2,274 and 137 units respectively. Hilmi noted that traders persist due to high profits despite penalties. 'Even after being fined up to RM2,000, some re-register under a different business type and continue selling,' he said. - Bernama
The Sun
02-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Melaka intensifies crackdown on illegal cigarette sales and smoking offences
MELAKA: A total of 3,156 notices with fines amounting to RM176,350 have been issued for offences under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) in Melaka since its enforcement began last October. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said the Melaka Health Department conducted 701 operations, inspecting 28,980 premises to curb smoking-related violations. Offences included smoking in prohibited areas, minors smoking, and failure to display no-smoking signs. 'Enforcement has prioritised eateries, food stalls, and hawker centres, with ongoing operations targeting illegal sales and promotions of tobacco products,' Ngwe said after the 'Safe Lungs Operation' in Duyong. During the latest operation, 10 food premises were inspected, resulting in six offence notices worth RM1,500. Two traders were fined RM40,000 for selling cigarettes below legal prices. Authorities also seized 450 smuggled cigarette packs worth RM3,055.50, suspected to be sold cheaply to students. The operation involved 40 officers from the Health Department, Customs, police, and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board. - Bernama
