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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
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Two million M'sians at risk: CAP wants action against drug-laced vapes
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged members of parliament to take decisive action against the rising crisis of drug-laced vape liquids. The association warned that nearly two million Malaysian vapers — many of them unwitting youth — are at serious risk. CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow, in lauding today's New Straits Times leader column, told MPs and health officials to "read it multiple times" to grasp the gravity of a worsening drug-vape crisis. "Lawmakers can no longer feign ignorance, as mounting evidence from enforcement agencies paints a stark picture," he told the NST. According to the federal police Narcotic Criminal Investigation Department, 65 per cent of vape liquids seized in 2023 contained MDMA or synthetic cannabinoid ADB‑Butinaca. Subbarow warned that thousands of children, and millions of adults, might be inhaling potent psychoactive substances unknowingly. He said teachers had reported disturbing cases of Form Three students behaving like "zombies" after using drug-stimulant vapes. He said some children preferred "mushroom"-flavoured vapes, specifically engineered to deliver more than simple nicotine hits. "At least one teenage fatality and over 111 poisoning cases had been admitted to intensive care units nationwide. "Many more may be suffering without proper medical diagnosis, he added, taking to task the Health Ministry and several state governments of delaying urgent action in favour of prolonged studies," he added. Subbarow questioned why Malaysian authorities continued to prioritise approximately 306 vape traders over the welfare of millions of young vapers. "The Health Ministry is complicit in the poisoning and addiction of children. "As such, we are calling on the government to declare a total ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, while strengthening enforcement and seizure laws to deter illicit vape vendors. "We also call for a nationwide awareness and education programmes in schools. Cease delay tactics and act immediately to protect youths. "Banning vape products will not kill any traders but failure to act could cost more young lives," he said. Subbarow also warned MPs not to pawn our children's lives. "Act now before another tragedy strikes," he said.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
Consumer group seeks royal support for vape ban
GEORGE TOWN: Concerned over the growing availability of drug-laced vape products among youths, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is seeking the support of Malaysia's royal institutions to strengthen calls for a nationwide ban on vaping. CAP senior education officer N.V. Subbarow said letters addressed to all state rulers will be sent tomorrow, appealing for urgent attention to the issue. A personal appeal has also been made to the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. 'We believe the royal institutions can help push the government to act,' Subbarow told theSun. The initiative follows recent data revealing that 70% of 96 vape-related investigation papers opened since early 2024 involved synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines. Subbarow expressed concern that enforcement efforts are not keeping pace with the evolving nature of vape-related substances and their availability. 'Already one year has passed but no action has been taken over the 96 cases. Furthermore, 70% illegally contain synthetic cannabinoid and amphetamine drugs. What further proof do the authorities need?' he said. Subbarow was responding to remarks by Health Deputy Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni on July 13, who confirmed that the 96 cases were opened between January 2024 and March, with most involving banned substances found in vape liquids. Lukanisman said the ministry is enhancing cooperation with the police and relevant enforcement agencies to address the issue more comprehensively. While welcoming these efforts, Subbarow hopes more concrete measures will be introduced to safeguard young Malaysians, particularly schoolchildren, who have reportedly become targets of vape sellers. He also referenced warnings issued earlier by former deputy inspector-general of police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. In April, Ayob Khan cautioned state governments about the increasing misuse of synthetic drugs among youths, including fentanyl – a powerful opioid reportedly found in some vape liquids. Subbarow noted that many countries have moved to ban or tightly regulate vaping due to its association with youths' addiction and illegal drug use. Citing international research, he said 65% of vape products tested contain banned substances such as methamphetamine and ecstasy. 'Vaping is more dangerous than smoking. We must aim for a no-vape generation,' he said. He also expressed concern over prolonged delays in policy decisions, warning that time allows harmful products to reach more youths. 'The younger generation is keen to taste new drugs, just to have a happy moment. 'They want a zombie lifestyle, not a healthy lifestyle.' Subbarow said CAP supports a total ban on vape and e-cigarette products in Malaysia, and urged swift measures to limit their availability in the interest of public health.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
CAP urges royal support for nationwide vape product ban
GEORGE TOWN: Concerned over the growing availability of drug-laced vape products among youths, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is seeking the support of Malaysia's royal institutions to strengthen calls for a nationwide ban on vaping. CAP senior education officer N.V. Subbarow said letters addressed to all state rulers will be sent tomorrow, appealing for urgent attention to the issue. A personal appeal has also been made to the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. 'We believe the royal institutions can help push the government to act,' Subbarow told theSun. The initiative follows recent data revealing that 70% of 96 vape-related investigation papers opened since early 2024 involved synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines. Subbarow expressed concern that enforcement efforts are not keeping pace with the evolving nature of vape-related substances and their availability. 'Already one year has passed but no action has been taken over the 96 cases. Furthermore, 70% illegally contain synthetic cannabinoid and amphetamine drugs. What further proof do the authorities need?' he said. Subbarow was responding to remarks by Health Deputy Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni on July 13, who confirmed that the 96 cases were opened between January 2024 and March, with most involving banned substances found in vape liquids. Lukanisman said the ministry is enhancing cooperation with the police and relevant enforcement agencies to address the issue more comprehensively. While welcoming these efforts, Subbarow hopes more concrete measures will be introduced to safeguard young Malaysians, particularly schoolchildren, who have reportedly become targets of vape sellers. He also referenced warnings issued earlier by former deputy inspector-general of police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. In April, Ayob Khan cautioned state governments about the increasing misuse of synthetic drugs among youths, including fentanyl – a powerful opioid reportedly found in some vape liquids. Subbarow noted that many countries have moved to ban or tightly regulate vaping due to its association with youths' addiction and illegal drug use. Citing international research, he said 65% of vape products tested contain banned substances such as methamphetamine and ecstasy. 'Vaping is more dangerous than smoking. We must aim for a no-vape generation,' he said. He also expressed concern over prolonged delays in policy decisions, warning that time allows harmful products to reach more youths. 'The younger generation is keen to taste new drugs, just to have a happy moment. 'They want a zombie lifestyle, not a healthy lifestyle.' Subbarow said CAP supports a total ban on vape and e-cigarette products in Malaysia, and urged swift measures to limit their availability in the interest of public health.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Delay in nationwide ban on vape slammed
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has renewed its call for an immediate nationwide ban on the sale and use of vape and e-cigarettes, as the issue is already 'out of control'. CAP said some state governments are still in talks with industry players and these engagements delay action, jeopardise public health and could have devastating consequences for Malaysian youths. 'How long will it take to consider banning vape? States that have not yet issued a ban for these products must be responsible if there are death cases, or pay for treatment due to vape use,' CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow said in a statement. He described as alarming Perak's decision to consider consultations with vape industry stakeholders before deciding on a ban. On June 4, the Perak government said it would meet electronic cigarette or vape industry players before making any decision on the proposed ban on the sale of such products in the state. However on June 22, Perak announced it would target a vape sales ban in October, pending final approval by the State Executive Council. Subsequently on July 5, Perak Health and Human Resources Committee chairman A. Sivanesan made a U-turn on the matter and confirmed that the state would consult e-cigarette and vape industry players before deciding on a ban. A comprehensive study, led by state health director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha is expected to be concluded by next month. 'If there are 50 workers, that's 50 families at stake,' Sivanesan was quoted by Bernama as saying, while highlighting the need to consider economic and employment impact. Subbarow said he did not understand why a few state governments were still discussing the ban on vape and e-cigarettes with vape industry representatives. 'It doesn't make any sense. It's a waste of time and playing with the lives of children.' Subbarow said increasing use of vape among teenagers, including young girls, is a national crisis and warned that many are unknowingly being introduced to drug-laced vape liquids. 'Vape and e-cigarettes are destroying the future of the young generation. It has been proven. 'The trend has evolved from fruit-flavoured nicotine liquids to dangerous concoctions laced with stimulants or even narcotics, marketed under names such as 'zombie' or 'magic mushroom' flavours. 'This is a new culture throughout the world. More vape liquids now contain dangerous drugs. 'These products should be banned to prevent more people from becoming addicted to these synthetic drugs. 'These drug-laced vape flavours are turning many young Malaysians into new drug addicts,' he said. The association also pointed to recent figures from the Health Ministry showing a sharp rise in adolescent vaping, from 211,084 in 2017 to 301,109 in 2022, involving those aged 13 to 15. 'If the ministry or state governments continue giving unreasonable reasons and delay action to ban vape and e-cigarettes, the number of students and individuals addicted to nicotine-laced vape drug liquid will triple by 2030,' he said. 'Each of the state governments knew this, but they are pretending not to know anything. There is no need for new committees or studies on the issue, as the statistics are there. 'The state governments must take decisive action,' Subbarow said. CAP praised the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who recently voiced full support for a total ban on vaping in Malaysia. His Majesty described vaping as a threat to public health and called for stricter enforcement to address both nicotine and drug addiction among youths. 'Vaping should be banned completely. We must not be lenient, it will only cause further harm to our people,' His Majesty was quoted as saying. He also pointed out that there is no point in having various laws and harsh punishments for drug offences if enforcement remains weak, allowing drugs to be easily obtained in the country. CAP said it would be writing official letters to all state rulers, urging them to instruct their respective governments to impose an immediate ban on vape and e-cigarettes.
