Latest news with #UniversitiSainsIslamMalaysia
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Don: Make smoking, vaping Syariah criminal offences
Muzaffar said a 2022 study conducted by several Western researchers found a positive correlation between vaping and the frequency and severity of asthma and obstructive lung disease.- AFP file photo KUCHING (June 5): The government is urged to consider making smoking and vaping Syariah criminal offences in the country. In making this call, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia's Faculty of Syariah and Law associate professor Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow said such a move should help eradicate smoking habit and addiction, particularly among Muslims nationwide. Muzaffar pointed out that many studies have indicated that about half of smokers die from smoking-related causes. 'Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body. Many studies show that smoking leads to diseases affecting the heart, liver and lungs, and emerges as a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and cancer (particularly lung cancer, cancers of the larynx and mouth and pancreatic cancer),' he said in a statement today. Muzaffar stated the World Health Organisation estimated that tobacco killed eight million people annually as of 2019, with 100 million deaths recorded over the course of the 20th century. He said an outbreak of severe vaping lung illness occurred in the United States in 2019 and 2020, adding that vaping has been linked with damage to the lungs, cardiovascular system as well as the brain. A 2022 study conducted by several Western researchers found a positive correlation between vaping and the frequency and severity of asthma and obstructive lung disease, he said. He added that the same study also found a positive correlation between the usage of e-cigarettes and medical conditions such as myocardial infarctions, coronary artery disease and strokes. 'Regarding the brain, vapors from e-cigarettes can damage neurons in developing brains, impairing the decision-making process and leading to more frequent impulsive decisions,' he said. According to Muzaffar, the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs of Malaysia had in March 1995 agreed that 'Smoking is forbidden in Islam because in it there is harm.' 'A similar stance has also been taken for vaping. In 2025, the National Fatwa Council in 2015 ruled that vaping is forbidden. Although Islam has clearly explained the dangers of smoking and vaping through Fatwa, many Muslims in the country still take the issue lightly,' he said. As such, he called for drastic measures, including proper legislation to address the matter. He pointed to Section 15 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997 [Act 559] states: 'Any person who during the hours of fasting in Ramadan sells to any Muslim any food, drink, cigarette or other form of tobacco for immediate consumption during such hours; or (b) openly or in a public place is found to be eating, drinking or smoking, shall be guilty of an offence.' He explained that upon conviction, offenders would be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,000, or to a jail term of not more than six months, or both; and for a subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding RM2,000, or to a jail term of not more than one year, or both. 'It would be much better if we could insert a specific section in the Syariah Offences Act and Enactments to make smoking and vaping criminal offences. 'This is to send a strong signal or reminder to everybody, especially to Muslims in the country, about the health hazards of smoking and vaping,' he said. Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow lead smoking syariah offences vaping
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Make smoking, vaping Syariah offences, says academic
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR: The government should consider classifying smoking and vaping as Syariah criminal offences to reinforce public health efforts and curb addiction among Muslims in Malaysia, says a law academic. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim) Syariah and Law Faculty Associate Prof Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow, in a statement, said such a move would support ongoing efforts to combat smoking, which continues to have devastating health impacts on society. He noted that although cigarette smoking remains the most common form, the rapid spread of modern alternatives such as electronic cigarettes and vape devices has complicated the issue. Cigarettes, which contain toxic chemicals from the tobacco leaf and those produced during combustion, are known to cause harm to nearly every organ and are linked to numerous life-threatening illnesses. Citing global statistics, he said smoking contributes to around eight million deaths annually, with half of all smokers dying from smoking-related causes including cancer, heart disease, and lung complications. Vaping, which involves inhaling vapour from devices powered by batteries and atomisers, has similarly been linked to serious health issues including lung damage, cardiovascular disease, and impaired brain function, especially in young users. He referred to international studies showing vaping increases risks for asthma, strokes, and coronary conditions, and may affect brain development, leading to poor decision-making and impulsive behaviour. Muzaffar pointed out that Islam has long addressed the dangers of smoking, with a fatwa issued by the National Fatwa Council in 1995 declaring smoking haram due to the harm it causes to individuals and those around them. The 2015 fatwa further extended this ruling to electronic cigarettes and vape devices, but enforcement remains lacking, as many Muslims still downplay the severity of the issue. He urged for specific legal provisions to be added to the Syariah Criminal Offences Act and State Enactments, making smoking and vaping offences in their own right, beyond the current Ramadan-related restrictions, to reflect the seriousness of their health and moral implications. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Sinar Daily
18-05-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
New rules needed to balance housing supply, affordability
KUALA LUMPUR - The government is proposing stricter policies for developers, requiring them to sell at least 15 per cent of completed residential units before approving new construction projects to reduce housing overhang. Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Dr Muhammad Iqmal Hisham Kamaruddin, said this measure aims to tackle the issue of unsold houses priced between RM300,000 and RM500,000 in the country while also preventing oversupply in the market. "To balance excessive supply, the government can enforce stricter regulations, such as making approvals for new residential development projects subject to the existing property overhang in a given area. "For example, if the number of unsold residential units exceeds 15 per cent in a particular area, the government should tighten approvals by not allowing new residential construction until the number of unsold units decreases,' he told Bernama. Houses priced between RM300,000 and RM500,000 have been recorded as the most common unsold properties in the country during the third quarter of 2024. According to the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), these unsold units represent 31.9 per cent of the property market segment, comprising 7,003 units valued at RM2.78 billion in 2024. Muhammad Iqmal added that the government should also ensure that property prices in any area correspond to the affordability and average income of the local population. As an example, he said if the average household income in a state allows for purchasing property worth RM500,000, then houses should be offered at prices not exceeding RM500,000. He explained that the imbalance between household income and housing prices is the main reason for the high number of unsold houses priced between RM300,000 and RM500,000 in Malaysia. "The primary cause is that household income does not align with the housing price range. The median household income in Malaysia was around RM6,338 in 2023, while the latest Malaysian House Price Index (MHPI) indicates an average price of RM483,879. "In this situation, most houses priced between RM300,000 and RM500,000 require a minimum monthly commitment of RM1,500 to RM2,500, which means the household needs an income of at least RM4,000 per month. This represents over 60 per cent of the individual's monthly income,' he said. Additionally, Muhammad Iqmal pointed out that the ability to provide a deposit of at least 10 per cent of the property value is another factor. Meanwhile, he said the trend in average house prices, as shown by the MHPI, indicates an increase in property prices in Malaysia up to 2024 despite many units remaining unsold. "For example, the average house price in Malaysia was RM465,604 in 2023 and increased to RM483,879 in 2024. "In 2023, the average price of a single-storey terrace house was RM238,600, rising to RM251,500 in 2024, while for two-storey terrace houses, the average price increased from RM442,549 to RM466,506 during the same period,' he added. He noted that this contradicts economic theory, where an oversupply would typically lead to lower prices. "In this case, housing prices have not only failed to decrease but have continued to rise over time. The assumption that unsold houses older than five to ten years will drop in price is incorrect. "Therefore, existing homes need to be discounted and offered rebates to remain competitive with new housing developments,' he explained. Muhammad Iqmal added that an oversupply of unsold houses could also impact the macroeconomy, as developers who fail to sell enough units risk defaulting on loans, which could affect the financial and banking sectors. - BERNAMA
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Anwar hopes Malaysia-Egypt ties will continue to flourish amid global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that the diplomatic ties and friendship between Malaysia and Egypt will continue to grow, particularly in addressing complex global issues through dynamic and thoughtful engagement. Anwar, who received a courtesy call from Egypt's Ambassador to Malaysia Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr today, noted that bilateral relations have strengthened under the leadership of the Madani government. "This cooperation is particularly evident in areas such as the economy and trade, as well as education, including the establishment of the Arabic Language Institute through a smart partnership between Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Al-Azhar University in Cairo," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (April 29). Anwar also highlighted ongoing humanitarian collaboration through aid efforts in Gaza for the Palestinian people, along with growing developments in the tourism sector in both countries. The post was accompanied by several photos of Anwar's meeting with the Egyptian envoy at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya. Ragai Tawfik, who has served as Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia for nearly four years, will officially conclude his term on Wednesday (April 30). – Bernama
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
PM Anwar hopes Malaysia-Egypt ties will continue to flourish amid global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that the diplomatic ties and friendship between Malaysia and Egypt will continue to grow, particularly in addressing complex global issues through dynamic and thoughtful engagement. Anwar, who received a courtesy call from Egypt's Ambassador to Malaysia Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr today, noted that bilateral relations have strengthened under the leadership of the MADANI Government. 'This cooperation is particularly evident in areas such as the economy and trade, as well as education, including the establishment of the Arabic Language Institute through a smart partnership between Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Al-Azhar University in Cairo,' he said in a Facebook post. Anwar also highlighted ongoing humanitarian collaboration through aid efforts in Gaza for the Palestinian people, along with growing developments in the tourism sector in both countries. The post was accompanied by several photos of Anwar's meeting with the Egyptian envoy at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya. Ragai Tawfik, who has served as Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia for nearly four years, will officially conclude his term tomorrow.
