Latest news with #SharifaEzat
New Straits Times
31-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Experts urge holistic reform as Malaysia moves to expand 'pro-health' taxes
GEORGE TOWN: The government's plan to expand "pro-health" taxes to include tobacco, vape and alcohol products has been met with cautious support from a health expert and consumer group with calls growing for broader structural reforms to truly combat the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). While the move is seen as a step in the right direction, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned that taxation alone was not a silver bullet. "The intent is good and we applaud efforts to reduce NCDs through behavioural change. "But tax measures must be complemented by real investment in our primary healthcare system. We simply do not have enough healthcare personnel, especially in critical specialties like oncology, mental health and cardiovascular care," she told the New Straits Times. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) today, said the government would expand "pro-health" taxes, including those on tobacco, vape and alcohol products, in a bid to curb the rise in NCDs. He said pro-health taxes would be expanded beyond sugar to include products such as tobacco, vape and alcohol, not merely for revenue, but to drive behavioural change and curb the worrying rise in NCDs. Sharifa Ezat urged the government to consider targeted taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, in line with existing tobacco and alcohol levies, calling them a "major contributor to poor health outcomes." She noted that without adequate enforcement and support structures, increased taxation might have unintended consequences — especially in the case of tobacco. "Most smokers don't buy from legal outlets. Black market cigarettes, which evade taxes entirely, continue to dominate our shores. "If we raise taxes without tackling illicit trade, we may not achieve the desired health outcomes," she added. Meanwhile, the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP), strongly welcomed the prime minister's initiative, calling it a bold and much-needed step. "We must call this the 'cancer tax'," said N.V. Subbarow, senior education officer at CAP. He said the prime minister's announcement sent a strong signal that Malaysia was serious about protecting its youth and reducing cancer-causing habits. "These taxes will discourage smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption, especially among the younger generation," he said. Subbarow praised the government's political will in tabling the taxes as part of the 13MP, noting that Malaysia has been battling a persistent rise in NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer — many of which are linked to lifestyle and consumption habits. Sharifa Ezat emphasised the need for incentives to bring together private GPs, NGOs and the public health sector to create a seamless primary care system. "We commend initiatives like 13MP, which aim to strengthen primary care — but these efforts will only work if they are backed by manpower and integration. "We need more nurses, doctors, and specialists to meet the growing demands of the population," she said. She also urged the government to increase the national healthcare budget to reflect the urgency of the crisis. "Devoting a larger share of Malaysia's GDP to health is no longer optional — it is a necessity if we are serious about long-term change," she stressed.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Vape ban may fuel black market, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR: A nationwide ban on vape sales could unintentionally fuel the black market and push users back to tobacco, a public health expert has warned. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia community health specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said that while the intention behind a ban may be well-meaning, it could lead to greater harm if not supported by strong enforcement, proper regulation and a comprehensive harm-reduction strategy. "Users may turn to illegal and potentially more dangerous black market products. Many could also revert to tobacco and illicit cigarettes, which are currently cheaper and more accessible," she told the New Straits Times. "Unless both vaping and tobacco cigarettes are banned simultaneously, the problem will persist. Countries like Thailand, India and Australia have attempted such bans, but experienced a rise in black market activity and a return to cigarette use." She added that enforcement alone would not be sufficient. "A harm-reduction approach is more effective in the long run, but it needs strong regulation and consistent policing - which we may currently lack," she said. Sharifa Ezat said that if consumers were given the choice between safe, regulated vape products and risky black market alternatives, they would likely opt for the former - provided the price remained reasonable. She also emphasised the need to fully enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), which would require cross-ministerial collaboration. "The Health Ministry is already handling numerous pressing matters, such as healthcare financing and non-communicable diseases, so other ministries must step in - especially in areas such as public education and the prevention of illegal sales in schools." She further proposed establishing a central quality-check laboratory to ensure only safe and regulated vape products are sold - potentially even under medical prescription for adult users. Her remarks follow renewed calls by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, for an immediate nationwide ban on vape sales, citing its harmful effects and the risk of it becoming a gateway to drug abuse among youths. Several states, including Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan and Penang, have already introduced their own restrictions, but a federal-level policy has yet to be implemented. Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya public health expert Professor Dr Victor Hoe expressed support for the Sultan's call, saying a nationwide ban could help curb nicotine addiction and prevent a new wave of health problems among young people. He said that if implemented by the government, such a move would be a timely response to the increasing normalisation of vaping in the country. "The public health impact of a nationwide ban would be significant. In the short term, it would reduce accessibility and normalisation of vaping, especially among young adults. "In the long term, it would help prevent a new wave of nicotine dependence and associated health burdens, including links to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular risks and mental health effects," he told the New Straits Times. However, Hoe also called for stronger national coordination, criticising the Health Ministry's slow response to the rise in vape use.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Omicron subvariants more contagious, public urged to stay vigilant
KUALA LUMPUR: The emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, has led to a surge in cases in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. As a result, public health experts are urging Malaysians to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures similar to those practised during the peak of the pandemic, especially among high-risk groups. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia community health specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said subvariants such as LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1 are more transmissible, although they do not appear to cause severe illness compared to earlier variants. "These subvariants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). "If infected, the symptoms are generally mild, such as cough, cold, and low-grade fever, and most people recover within a few days. "However, we cannot predict when a more severe variant might emerge, so it's important to continue self-monitoring and remain vigilant," she said. Recently, both Thailand and Singapore have reported a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases. Thailand recorded 65,880 new cases and three deaths between May 25 and May 30, while Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3 —up from 11,100 the previous week — with 133 hospital admissions. In Malaysia, Melaka reported a more than 20 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases last week, with 93 new cases recorded in Epidemiological Week 23 (June 1–7). Dr Sharifa Ezat advised the public to wear face masks in crowded places, especially when travelling abroad, and to maintain good personal hygiene. "High-risk groups such as individuals with comorbidities, the elderly, pregnant women, and children should be especially careful. Even common symptoms like a cough or mild fever can escalate in these groups," she added. Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia senior lecturer and public health specialist Dr Mohd Hafiz Jaafar, said increased public awareness has made it easier to detect Covid-19 cases. "Additionally, recent activities such as school holidays and festive celebrations have contributed to increased movement and interaction. "However, the overall impact does not appear to require widespread hospitalisation, as most cases involve only symptom management," he said.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Omnicron subvariants more contagious, public urged to stay vigilant
KUALA LUMPUR: The emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, has led to a surge in cases in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. As a result, public health experts are urging Malaysians to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures similar to those practised during the peak of the pandemic, especially among high-risk groups. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia community health specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said subvariants such as LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1 are more transmissible, although they do not appear to cause severe illness compared to earlier variants. "These subvariants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). "If infected, the symptoms are generally mild, such as cough, cold, and low-grade fever, and most people recover within a few days. "However, we cannot predict when a more severe variant might emerge, so it's important to continue self-monitoring and remain vigilant," she said. Recently, both Thailand and Singapore have reported a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases. Thailand recorded 65,880 new cases and three deaths between May 25 and May 30, while Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3 —up from 11,100 the previous week — with 133 hospital admissions. In Malaysia, Melaka reported a more than 20 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases last week, with 93 new cases recorded in Epidemiological Week 23 (June 1–7). Dr Sharifa Ezat advised the public to wear face masks in crowded places, especially when travelling abroad, and to maintain good personal hygiene. "High-risk groups such as individuals with comorbidities, the elderly, pregnant women, and children should be especially careful. Even common symptoms like a cough or mild fever can escalate in these groups," she added. Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia senior lecturer and public health specialist Dr Mohd Hafiz Jaafar, said increased public awareness has made it easier to detect Covid-19 cases. "Additionally, recent activities such as school holidays and festive celebrations have contributed to increased movement and interaction. "However, the overall impact does not appear to require widespread hospitalisation, as most cases involve only symptom management," he said.
