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Otago Daily Times
14 hours ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
New 'rules of engagement' with alcohol lobby
By Guyon Espiner of RNZ New "rules of engagement" for health officials dealing with the alcohol industry are coming after a senior staffer complained a public health manager had been "way too friendly" with booze lobbyists. In May it was reported that Ross Bell, a manager with the Ministry of Health's Public Health Agency, had close engagement with alcohol lobbyists, who were granted input into the development of alcohol policies. References to a review of safe drinking guidelines were removed from a Health New Zealand website after an alcohol lobbyist complained to Bell. On the day the story was published, Deputy Director-General of Health Dr Andrew Old sent an email to staff saying Bell had "acted entirely appropriately" in his engagement with the alcohol industry. "Engaging with industry can, and has, yielded meaningful health gains for New Zealanders in the past - and will do so again," the email said. "However, we also know that some industry interests lead to public health harm, and so our engagement needs to be careful, mature, and intentional." Old invited Ministry of Health staff to respond. Dr Clair Mills, who provides advice to the Public Health Advisory committee, took issue with the engagement with the alcohol industry. "I do think there is a problem - at the very least, in terms of perception," she wrote to Old, in emails released under the Official Information Act. The alcohol industry's fight against Local Alcohol Policies - where communities set their own conditions for sale - revealed its motivations, Mill said. It contrasted with the "lack of community voice and power". RNZ's reporting revealed a series of emails between Bell and alcohol lobbyists, which showed close relationships, multiple meetings and exchanges of information. "I think the tone of the emails was way too friendly," Mills, whose career includes serving as Medical Director for Médecins Sans Frontières' and as Medical Officer of Health in Northland, said in her email to Old. "In my experience… these alcohol interests have zero interest in reducing harm (or sales of booze) and a huge purse to fund their lawyers." 'Perception becomes reality' Old responded to Mills saying stronger processes for health officials engaging with the alcohol industry were being prepared. "All good points - perception becomes reality after all," he told her. "Given we are expected to engage with industry, whether that's alcohol, food or anything else (except tobacco!) it would help to have some clear rules of engagement. I'm picking that up with our central MOH team." Tobacco lobbyists are shut out of policy making because New Zealand is a signatory to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Under the FCTC countries protect policy development from the "vested interests of the tobacco industry" as there is an "irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry's interests and public health policy interests". In contrast, the alcohol industry has input into policy development in New Zealand, including managing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and spending the Alcohol Levy, a $16 million fund to reduce alcohol harm, estimated in a 2024 report by NZIER to cost $9.1 billion a year. RNZ used the OIA to obtain 85 pages of emails detailing engagement between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and alcohol lobbyists, with Ross Bell emerging as the main conduit. One document describes a 90 minute meeting between lobbyists and MOH staff in February 2025 as "Alcohol industry reps and Ministry of Health regular meeting". The documents show the plan to manage FASD has been given to the alcohol industry. "Thanks for sharing the draft FASD plan," a wine lobbyist says in an email to public health officials, copying in a lobbyist with the spirits industry. The documents show alcohol lobbyists made their own submissions to MOH on how they believed FASD should be managed. The Spirits New Zealand submission runs to four pages but is entirely redacted by MOH under a section of the OIA designed to protect "the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of the Crown and officials". RNZ has asked the Ombudsman to investigate whether the MOH can legitimately use this section of the OIA to protect correspondence from a spirits industry lobbyist. Alcohol industry's input The documents obtained by RNZ show Bell was receptive to requests from the alcohol industry. In November 2024 the Brewer's Association complained to Bell that references to a review of the low risk drinking guidelines were still on the Health New Zealand website, after it had already complained to him about it. It also took issue that the site linked to what other countries, including Canada, were doing with their advice on low-risk drinking. Bell intervened in an email to Health New Zealand in December 2024. "All work on this project will now pause. You will update relevant Health NZ websites to remove references to the review and also to other jurisdictions' guidelines (including the Canadian one)." Bell refused to be interviewed by RNZ but in a previous statement he said the material was removed from the website to avoid confusion, as the drinking guidelines were now led by the Ministry of Health not Health New Zealand which runs the website. He said that was an internal decision by MOH and that a review of the drinking guidelines was now on hold while the ministry considered its priorities. The documents obtained by RNZ show that Bell also shared the Alcohol Levy investment framework with wine and beer lobbyists in a November 2024 email. "As discussed and as promised, attached is the draft Alcohol Levy Investment Framework for your consideration and feedback," he wrote. The alcohol lobbyists then provided at least three pages of feedback on how the money should be spent. But again MOH is keeping all that information secret under the section of the OIA designed to protect "the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of the Crown and officials". Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey turned down RNZ's request for information on the Alcohol Levy but did release correspondence from alcohol lobbyists. Those documents included a July 2024 email to Doocey and his Cabinet colleague Shane Reti where the wine, beer and spirits industries pushed for greater involvement in setting alcohol policy. "We still believe industry has a lot to offer as government seeks to reduce harmful drinking," the booze lobbyists wrote. They pointed out that they funded the main education programme which teaches students about the impacts of alcohol. "We also fund, through our own social investment charity - The Tomorrow Project, an in-school theatre-based better drinking education programme called Smashed," the lobbyists told the Ministers. "Smashed is independently run and delivered by The Life Education Trust and reaches over 20,000 year 9 students every year." Filings with the Charities Services show that the beer, wine and spirits industries each paid $105,000 towards The Tomorrow Project, a charity entirely funded by the alcohol industry. The alcohol lobbyists also make a pitch for the government to "partner with industry" in deciding how to spend the Alcohol Levy and say they should be "working directly with officials" on reducing alcohol harm.
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Govt urged to consider total vape ban amid youth abuse, drugs risks
When vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. 26 Jun 2025 08:47pm Photo for illustration purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR - A Form Two student collapsing from a school rooftop after inhaling a drug-laced vape is just one of many disturbing incidents fuelling renewed calls for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said the growing exploitation of youth, rising public health risks and emerging links to illicit drugs and organised crime require urgent and decisive government action. Its secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may not be feasible due to stock and distribution challenges, the government must begin with a strict prohibition on advertising and promotions. He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which is already in effect, provides a strong legal foundation to enforce restrictions on advertisements, promotions and online sales of vape products, including those containing controlled substances or illicit drugs. He noted that when vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. "In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run,' he told reporters. He was speaking at a press conference titled 'Drugs in Vape', held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day, at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) headquarters here today. Also present was Hashim Anang, PEMADAM Media and Promotion Bureau chairman as well as a member of the National Anti-Drug Council, a non-governmental coalition. Despite growing awareness of vape-related harm, Muhammad Sha'ani said many students continue to smuggle the devices into schools, often hiding them under motorcycle seats along with mobile phones. He cited the case of a Form Two student in Perlis who reportedly became intoxicated after using a so-called "mushroom vape', resulting in a dangerous incident that required police intervention. He added that allowing vape industry players to negotiate regulations would only benefit corporate interests while putting public health, particularly that of the younger generation, at continued risk. Even more alarming, he said, were recent findings by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), showing that some seized vape liquids contained not only nicotine, but also illicit drugs. "Malaysia has already committed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, which outlines the eventual phasing out of the tobacco industry. We have declared 2040 as the Tobacco Endgame. "The same commitment must apply to vape. This is not an ordinary business, it is a growing threat to public health,' he stressed. - BERNAMA
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Govt urged to ban vapes amid youth abuse and drug risks in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing after inhaling a drug-laced vape has intensified demands for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) warns that rising youth exploitation and links to organised crime require urgent action. MCTC secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may face logistical hurdles, strict advertising restrictions must be enforced under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). He noted that continued vape promotions mislead the public into thinking the products are harmless. 'In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run,' he said during a press conference at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) headquarters. The event, titled 'Drugs in Vape', coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day. Also present was Hashim Anang, PEMADAM Media and Promotion Bureau chairman. Muhammad Sha'ani highlighted cases of students smuggling vapes into schools, including a Perlis teen who reportedly became intoxicated after using a 'mushroom vape'. Police findings also revealed some seized vape liquids contained illicit drugs alongside nicotine. He stressed that allowing industry players to influence regulations prioritises corporate interests over public health. Malaysia's commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, targeting a tobacco-free nation by 2040, should extend to vaping, he added.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Govt urged to consider total vape ban amid youth abuse, drug risks
Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing from a school rooftop after inhaling a drug-laced vape is just one of many disturbing incidents fuelling renewed calls for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said the growing exploitation of youth, rising public health risks and emerging links to illicit drugs and organised crime require urgent and decisive government action. Its secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may not be feasible due to stock and distribution challenges, the government must begin with a strict prohibition on advertising and promotions. He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which is already in effect, provides a strong legal foundation to enforce restrictions on advertisements, promotions and online sales of vape products, including those containing controlled substances or illicit drugs. He noted that when vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. "In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run," he told reporters. He was speaking at a press conference titled 'Drugs in Vape', held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day, at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) headquarters here today. Also present was Hashim Anang, PEMADAM Media and Promotion Bureau chairman as well as a member of the National Anti-Drug Council, a non-governmental coalition. Despite growing awareness of vape-related harm, Muhammad Sha'ani said many students continue to smuggle the devices into schools, often hiding them under motorcycle seats along with mobile phones. He cited the case of a Form Two student in Perlis who reportedly became intoxicated after using a so-called "mushroom vape", resulting in a dangerous incident that required police intervention. He added that allowing vape industry players to negotiate regulations would only benefit corporate interests while putting public health, particularly that of the younger generation, at continued risk. Even more alarming, he said, were recent findings by police, showing that some seized vape liquids contained not only nicotine, but also illicit drugs. "Malaysia has already committed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, which outlines the eventual phasing out of the tobacco industry. We have declared 2040 as the Tobacco Endgame. "The same commitment must apply to vape. This is not an ordinary business, it is a growing threat to public health," he stressed. — BERNAMA
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Govt urged to impose blanket ban on vape products
KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing on a school rooftop after inhaling a drug-laced vape is just one of many disturbing incidents fuelling renewed calls for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said the growing exploitation of youth, rising public health risks and emerging links to illicit drugs and organised crime require urgent and decisive government action. Its secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may not be feasible due to stock and distribution challenges, the government must begin with a strict prohibition on advertising and promotions. He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which is already in effect, provides a strong legal foundation to enforce restrictions on advertisements, promotions and online sales of vape products, including those containing controlled substances or illicit drugs. He noted that when vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. "In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run," he said at a press conference titled 'Drugs in Vape', held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day, at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) headquarters here on Thursday (June 26). Also present was Hashim Anang, Pemadam media and promotion bureau chairman as well as a member of the National Anti-Drug Council, a non-governmental coalition. Despite growing awareness of vape-related harm, Muhammad Sha'ani said many students continue to smuggle the devices into schools, often hiding them under motorcycle seats along with mobile phones. He cited the case of a Form Two student in Perlis who reportedly became intoxicated after using a so-called "mushroom vape", resulting in a dangerous incident that required police intervention. He added that allowing vape industry players to negotiate regulations would only benefit corporate interests while putting public health, particularly that of the younger generation, at continued risk. Even more alarming, he said, were recent findings by the police showing that some seized vape liquids contained not only nicotine but also illicit drugs. "Malaysia has already committed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, which outlines the eventual phasing out of the tobacco industry. We have declared 2040 as the tobacco endgame. "The same commitment must apply to vape. This is not an ordinary business, it is a growing threat to public health," he stressed. – Bernama
