Health Ministry stands by educational enforcement of price display rule
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry respects the legal process but is committed to ensuring smooth implementation of the order through educational enforcement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
22 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Vape groups warn total ban in Malaysia will fuel black market, not cut demand
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — The Health Ministry's announcement that it is considering a total ban on the sale and use of vapes in Malaysia has drawn concern from vape industry players, who warn that such a move could backfire. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposed ban is under review, but industry associations argue that prohibition could harm adult consumers and drive demand underground. Vape and retail associations contend that adult users rely on vapes as a less harmful alternative to smoking — and that removing legal access would push many toward unsafe, unregulated products. 'The ban won't eliminate demand. It will simply eliminate safe access,' said Tarmizi Anuwar, country associate at the Consumer Choice Centre. 'Malaysians use vape as a less harmful alternative to smoking. Taking away this option won't protect them. It will put them at risk,' he added. Tarmizi argued that instead of supporting smokers in switching to safer options, a ban would likely push them back to cigarettes or into the black market, where product safety, labelling and age restrictions are lacking. Black market risks Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas warned that banning vape products would dismantle the current regulated retail network and boost illicit trade. 'Retailers who operate within the legal framework are not the cause of the problem. 'Yet, under a ban, it is these legitimate businesses that will be hit the hardest,' he said. Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli echoed those concerns, saying a total ban would only worsen matters by making unregulated products more accessible, especially to minors. 'History has shown that consumers, when denied access to legal vape products, will turn to the black market in search of alternatives, exposing themselves to unregulated and potentially dangerous products,' he said. A total ban would only worsen matters by making unregulated products more accessible, especially to minors. — Picture by Choo Choy May Do bans work? Citing the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, Ridhwan noted that despite the prohibition of nicotine-based vape products in Malaysia, 4.9 per cent of the population — or about 1.1 million people — still use unregulated vape products. He added that in states such as Johor and Kelantan, where vape sales have been banned since 2015, usage remained high, with over 150,000 users in Johor and more than 30,000 in Kelantan. 'Similarly, in Singapore, where a full ban on vape use is in place, findings from a survey conducted by Milieu Insight between Q3 2021 and Q4 2023 revealed that vape usage increased from 3.9 per cent to 5.2 per cent of the population,' Ridhwan said. Adzwan stressed that enforcement should be the government's priority. 'The government must prioritise strengthening enforcement mechanisms, including stricter monitoring of online sales, proactive raids on unlicensed outlets, and harsher penalties for those who flout the law. 'Blanket bans will only hurt those who are playing by the rules, while doing nothing to disrupt the illegal market,' he said. Looking ahead Ridhwan also highlighted the vape industry's contribution to the Malaysian economy, which was valued at RM3.48 billion in 2023. The sector supports around 7,500 retail shops, 2,500 speciality outlets, and employs more than 31,500 people. While he welcomed the government's move to set up an expert committee to review vaping policies, Ridhwan stressed that the legal industry must have a seat at the table. 'Excluding key stakeholders will only lead to policies that fail to address the root causes of misuse and hinder public health goals,' he said. Adzwan agreed, saying meaningful engagement with the legal industry is crucial. 'We are on the front lines. We see the trends. We know the gaps in enforcement, and we understand what responsible retailing looks like. Excluding us from the policymaking process will only lead to ineffective outcomes,' he said. The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, or Act 852, was gazetted on February 2 and came into effect on October 1. It aims to reduce smoking habits among the public and restrict the sale of smoking products to minors through enforcement and ongoing public education. The Act followed findings from the 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey for Malaysia, which showed a significant rise in e-cigarette or vape use, particularly among adults under 50. It also highlighted a surge in vaping among minors.
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MOH outlines RM40 billion plan to strengthen healthcare under 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is committed to strengthening Malaysia's healthcare service delivery and enhancing digitalisation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), backed by a RM40 billion allocation. With 1.6 per cent increase from the previous plan, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry fully supports the Madani government's vision of building a more sustainable and resilient national healthcare system, anchored by five pillars under the health reform strategy. He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah and the Economy Ministry for their leadership in shaping the 13MP. "Among the key reforms is the strengthening of health financing and governance, including the expansion of the Rakan KKM initiative as an additional option for paid elective treatment in public health facilities. "The ministry will also introduce a basic private health insurance/takaful product by December, conduct a study towards the establishment of a national health fund, optimisation of health tax mechanisms and expansion of high-value outsourcing initiatives," he said in a press conference here today after launching Op Selamat Paru-Paru. The second pillar, he said, focuses on enhancing health promotion and security by cultivating a health-literate society and encouraging behavioural change for healthier living. He said the ministry would also ramp up preparedness for health emergencies and disease control, including the formation of a dedicated health disaster task force, increased focus on rare diseases and preparations for an ageing population. On empowering the healthcare service delivery ecosystem, Dzulkefly said the ministry would develop a national framework for workforce professional development and boost talent capacity. This includes integrating cluster hospitals with primary healthcare services and investing in high-impact medical research and innovation. "We will also strengthen the "one individual, one record" as the foundation of a digital health system and generate high-impact health analytics with artificial intelligence support. "The ministry will also enhance the national regulatory system for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and increase the production capacity of local manufacturers, among other measures," he said. The 13MP is a key policy document that will guide Malaysia's policies over the next five years, involving a budget of RM611 billion. The 13MP, covering 2026 to 2030, sets out progressive and realistic objectives to spur economic growth, raise household incomes and ensure inclusive development across all sectors.
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Prioritise children's palliative care, says Sabah Health Exco
James (centre) poses with the organiser and cyclists at Hilton Hotel. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): Paediatric palliative care must be prioritised as an integral part of the national healthcare system, said State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister, Datuk James Ratib. Speaking at the closing of the SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025 event today, James highlighted the critical shortage of paediatric palliative care specialists in Malaysia — only six are currently serving under the Health Ministry, despite an estimated nine million children needing such care. 'In Sabah, these services are only available at the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Last year alone, more than 100 new paediatric palliative care cases were referred to the Likas unit,' he said during the event held at Hilton Hotel. James called on the Health Ministry to urgently address the shortage by training more specialists and increasing funding for the field. He also appealed for additional incentives to attract doctors to serve in Sabah. He emphasised the unique challenges faced by children in Sabah's remote areas, many of whom come from underprivileged communities and currently have little to no access to palliative services. 'I am especially supportive of MAPPAC's vision to build the first children's hospice in Sabah. Such a facility would ensure that care is delivered in a dedicated and well-equipped setting, regardless of the patient's background,' he said. James pledged his full support as the state's Health Exco to help make the hospice a reality and urged the Federal Government, through the Health Ministry, to collaborate and allocate necessary funds. 'This is my commitment to our children who are truly in need of our help,' he added. The SEPEDA Amal Borneo charity cycling event, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), was aimed at raising awareness and funds for the hospice. The event saw 17 cyclists from across the globe complete a grueling six-day, 600-kilometre journey from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, passing through Paitan, Kota Marudu, Ranau and Tambunan — with a total elevation of over 6,000 metres. 'I am deeply impressed by the commitment shown by the SEPEDA Amal Borneo participants, who come from various professions, backgrounds and nationalities,' James said. 'Your efforts have helped bring attention to an issue that truly matters.'
