Latest news with #ControlofSmokingProductsforPublicHealthAct2023
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
20-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Selangor orders local councils to remove all vape advertisements
SHAH ALAM: Local authorities in Selangor have been instructed to seize and remove advertisements related to vape products across all advertising media, whether physical or digital. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the action aligns with provisions under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), which prohibits all forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of electronic smoking products. She said the decision was made following a coordination meeting she chaired on the proposal to consider banning the sale of electronic cigarettes in Selangor. The meeting examined various issues related to the use and sale of vapes, including enforcement challenges, licensing, legal aspects and monitoring. "The issue of online sales was also discussed, as it is difficult to regulate and often becomes the main channel through which teenagers access these products. "This is especially concerning as vape usage among teenagers has seen a significant rise. "According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, an estimated 14.9 per cent of male adolescents aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia are vape users. "These statistics are alarming and highlight the urgent need for proactive state-level action," she said. The meeting was also attended by Selangor health director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsuddin, representatives from the State Economic Planning Unit, local authorities and district health officers. Jamaliah said the state government, through the Public Health Standing Committee, will hold a follow-up meeting soon to discuss suitable policy options before presenting the final proposal to the state executive council meeting for a decision. "The state government wants to ensure that every policy introduced takes into account its impact on public health and future generations. "The state also greatly welcomes the active roles of parents, educational institutions, civil society, and relevant agencies at both the state and federal levels," she added.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Selangor govt orders removal of advertisements promoting vape products
PETALING JAYA: The Selangor State Government has ordered local councils to remove advertisements promoting vape products to restrict the use of e-cigarettes, especially among the youth. The directive follows a state coordination meeting chaired by Selangor public health and environment committee chairman, Jamaliah Jamaluddin. She said the state was considering a complete ban on vape products across Selangor. 'The meeting has decided that all local councils in Selangor take immediate action by confiscating and seizing advertisements promoting vape products across all advertising media, whether physical or digital. This action is in line with the provisions of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), which clearly prohibits all forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship related to electronic smoking products,' she said in a statement. The meeting addressed several issues related to the use and sale of vape products, including enforcement challenges, licensing, legal aspects, and monitoring. The issue of online sales was also discussed, as it is difficult to regulate and often serves as a primary channel for teenagers to access these products, she said. The use of vape products among teenagers has shown a significant increase, Jamaliah said, citing the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey, which estimated that nearly 14.9% of male teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia use vape products. 'This statistic is deeply concerning and highlights the urgent need for proactive measures at the state level,' she added. Jamaliah also said that the state government, through the Selangor state standing committee on public health, plans to have a follow-up meeting in the near future to discuss suitable policy options before the final proposal is presented to the Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) for a decision. 'The State Government also strongly encourages the active involvement of parents, educational institutions, civil society, and relevant agencies at both State and Federal levels to ensure that the measures taken are truly effective and sustainable,' she concluded. Terengganu and Perlis have reportedly announced a ban on vape sales from August 1 while Kedah will start phasing out renewal of vape sales licenses in the state. Meanwhile, the Penang state government has discussed a proposal to ban the sale of vapes at all business premises on April 29.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Deploying AI to boost early detection of lung disease
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is taking a bold step in the early detection of lung disease by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) software at selected public health clinics to analyse chest X-rays. The initiative seeks to curb the nation's alarmingly high rate of late-stage lung cancer diagnoses. Currently, 90% to 95% of cases are only detected at Stage 3 or 4 when treatment is far less effective and survival rates plummet. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the rollout signals a fundamental shift in the national approach to lung health, anchoring it within a more integrated public health strategy targeting both communicable and non-communicable diseases. 'Instead of treating each disease in isolation, we're now focusing on the lungs as a central point of intervention – an organ that's exposed to multiple risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, occupational hazards and infections,' he said at the Health Ministry headquarters yesterday. 'This technology allows us to monitor lung health in a more comprehensive and proactive way, enabling earlier, more effective interventions before diseases progress to advanced stages.' Disease Control Division (Non-Communicable Diseases) deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan said the AI software, once integrated with existing X-ray machines, will enhance the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. 'The system can detect abnormalities like nodules or shadowing that may escape the human eye, thus improving the likelihood of catching diseases like lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage,' she said. The pilot phase will see the AI technology deployed at seven public health clinics, each serving as a regional analysis hub. The clinics selected are Seberang Perai (Penang), Kok Lanas (Kelantan), Kajang (Selangor), Luyang (Sabah), Beserah (Pahang), Pendang (Kedah) and Batu 9 Cheras (Kuala Lumpur). Clinics not equipped with the software can refer X-ray images to these hubs for analysis. Each centre will also coordinate with nearby hospitals for follow-up consultations and access to advanced diagnostics such as CT scans. Noraryana said the one-off cost of installing the AI software is approximately RM10,000 per clinic, but added that its accessibility across clinic networks means it does not need to be installed at every site. The AI initiative falls under the Malaysia Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030, a national roadmap aimed at transforming how lung diseases are detected, treated and prevented. The plan targets major respiratory illnesses including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and tuberculosis. It emphasises early screening, public education, integrated care and coordinated action to reduce exposure to known risk factors. Additional components include enhanced anti-smoking campaigns, stricter enforcement of the newly passed Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), improved workplace safety protocols and national-level efforts to address air pollution. The initiative also aims to reduce the burden of preventable respiratory diseases by tackling root causes such as tobacco use, second-hand smoke exposure, environmental pollutants and occupational risks. Malaysia will further elevate the conversation to the global stage with plans to table a resolution on integrated lung health at the upcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva.
