Latest news with #Naeem
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO CLEAR THE AIR?
HIS love for his baby daughter was fierce—but not fierce enough to break his addiction. Each time Desmond Lee, 41, held her, she would grimace and fuss, turning away from the smoky scent clinging to his breath and clothes. Yet every attempt to quit cold turkey left him trembling, sweating and on edge—trapped between love and addiction. Lee's struggle mirrors that of millions of smokers around the world, caught in a cycle they long to escape but find impossible to break. For many, quitting altogether feels out of reach. Recognising this, Philip Morris International (PMI) is deepening its commitment to a smoke-free future by investing in science-driven innovation, building retail partnerships and aligning closely with evolving regulatory frameworks. PMI Malaysia and Singapore managing director Naeem Shahab Khan reaffirmed the company's long-standing global ambition to phase out combustible cigarettes by harnessing science and technology for a cleaner future. 'There are nearly a billion smokers worldwide, and approximately 5.2 million in Malaysia alone. The most harmful way to consume nicotine remains through combustion—the act of burning tobacco. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, quit. If you don't quit, change,' said Naeem during the IQOS ILUMA i launch held at Heritage Valley, Kuala Lumpur recently. Science-based approach PMI's transformation into a science-led business has involved more than US$14bil in research and development investments to date—and that figure continues to grow year-on-year. 'We have over 1,400 scientists as well as research and development experts dedicated to this work. To date, we've published nearly 542 peer-reviewed studies, all of which are publicly available,' Naeem said. These efforts, he added, are part of PMI's long-term strategy to reduce public health harm by eliminating combustion. 'Our extensive research shows that exposure to harmful chemicals can be reduced up to 95% compared to traditional cigarettes when combustion is taken out of the equation. The ill of smoking is in the smoke—when you remove burning, you drastically reduce harmful exposure,' he explained. The company's findings are backed by a growing body of scientific evidence and international regulatory validation, including the US Food and Drug Administration's Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP). Hinging on regulatory partnership Naeem applauded Malaysia's Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (ACT 852)—which provides a clear regulatory framework aimed at youth access prevention and combating illicit trade. He called it a 'key enabler for future progress'. 'This law offers much-needed clarity in terms of product definitions, quality control and age restrictions. It also places stronger emphasis on youth access prevention, which we fully support.' Meanwhile, PMI Malaysia Commercial operations director Mazlan Jala Musa noted that the company has introduced internal compliance measures and retail guidelines, all of which strictly adheres to regulatory requirements. These include regular age-verification training for retail partners, in-store compliance checks and continuous education on product categories. 'We work closely with partners including convenience stores and independent retailers to help them understand the differences between products, and most importantly, to ensure they are not selling to minors,' said Mazlan. On market competition, Naeem said PMI does not view other market players as rivals. Instead, he sees them as potential allies in shifting awareness away from combustible cigarettes. 'We define leadership not just by market share, but by how effectively we can reduce smoking prevalence. Anyone aligned with that goal contributes to the bigger picture,' he said. Smoke-free potential Armed with the strong belief that a smoke-free future is within reach, Naeem remains optimistic about Malaysia's potential to transition away from traditional cigarettes—but only through joint effort. He called for continued collaboration between government, civil society, media and the private sector to provide smokers with accurate information—without targeting non-smokers or encouraging uptake. 'The elephant in the room is still cigarettes. That's where most of the harm lies. If we are serious about reducing the health burden of smoking, we must create the right environment to move adult smokers away from combustion. 'If we can pull our efforts together and create a regulatory framework that encourages cigarette smokers to switch to smoke-free alternatives, that is the only way, in my view, Malaysia can become smoke-free,' said Naeem.
Daily Express
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Philip Morris International Launches New IQOS ILUMA i in Malaysia to Accelerate the Achievement of a Smoke -Free Future
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 Text Size: Naeem and MJ presenting the new IQOS ILUMA i. Kuala Lumpur: Philip Morris Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PMM), an affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), today announced the launch of IQOS ILUMA i, the latest and most innovative addition to its growing portfolio of smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine products. Today, this range of smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes includes multiple generations of IQOS, the No.1 tobacco-heating system1 . 'As the global smoke-free champion, we strive to deliver science-based, smoke-free alternatives to all adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. We leverage science, world leading brands, and commercial capabilities to provide better alternatives to our consumers. This innovation provides an opportunity for us to renew our smoke-free vision and our ambition for over two-thirds of our total net revenue to come from smokefree products by 2030,' said Naeem Shahab Khan, Managing Director of Philip Morris Malaysia & Singapore. 'Two years ago in Malaysia, IQOS ILUMA disrupted the category by introducing induction-heating technology that heats tobacco from within, with no tobacco residue and no need to clean the device. Today, we take IQOS to new heights, with the launch of IQOS ILUMA i – the latest innovation in our smoke-free portfolio, offering a range of advanced features for a clean, seamless, and more flexible experience.' Over the past 10 years, PMI's portfolio of scientifically backed smoke-free alternatives, led by IQOS, has created a positive impact on millions of adult smokers and those around them by accelerating an end to cigarettes. Advertisement Within 10 years, IQOS became the number one heated tobacco brand and accelerated the decline of cigarettes in many countries. In Japan, for example, more than one-third of adult smokers are using IQOS2 since heated tobacco was launched. Based on the PMI's 2025 first-quarter results, the smoke-free business accounts for 42% of the total net revenues. Today, there are 95 markets where PMI's smoke-free product are available. 'IQOS ILUMA i is our most innovative offering to date and the new flagship in our portfolio of scientifically substantiated, heat-not-burn smoke-free systems,' said Oggie Kapetanovic, President Heat-Not-Burn Platforms at PMI. We are proud that consumer feedback continuously fuels our innovation, and IQOS ILUMA i is a testament to that.' PMI's studies to date have found that IQOS generates no combustion and no smoke. Like previous IQOS devices, IQOS ILUMA i emits, on average, 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared with cigarettes. Importantly, this does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk and IQOS ILUMA i is no risk-free5,6. Naeem added: 'We have been investing heavily in research and development to provide adults who smoke with better alternatives to cigarettes based on cutting-edge science. But for change to be effectively enacted, government and society at large must play their part. It is important that others – like government authorities and regulators – embrace the opportunity offered by innovation and science to benefit the world.' New features of IQOS ILUMA i The IQOS ILUMA i series offers three devices in Malaysia: IQOS ILUMA i PRIME, IQOS ILUMA i and IQOS ILUMA i ONE. All IQOS ILUMA i devices bring a range of adaptable new features. It already delivers an experience that is clean and seamless, thanks to PMI's bladeless SMARCORE INDUCTION SYSTEMTM in a variety of designs to meet the diverse preferences of consumers. The new touch screen on the device's holder allows users to see experience-relevant information quickly and easily. To personalize the experience, IQOS ILUMA i introduces a new Pause Mode. By swiping up or down on the touch screen, users can pause and resume their experience with the device where they left off7 . The new IQOS ILUMA i additionally includes smart features like FlexBattery that help prolong the lifespan of the holder's battery8. Like the previous series of IQOS ILUMA, these devices use induction-heating technology in a range of innovative designs to allow adult users to select the device that best suits their needs and preferences. IQOS ILUMA i devices are available on the IQOS website and at authorized stores throughout Malaysia, including East Malaysia, as well as selected convenience stores and petrol marts. Adult nicotine users looking for more information on features and usage, visit * 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
See - Sada Elbalad
05-06-2025
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Repeated Strikes on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital Part of Israel's Policy to Empty Gaza of Life, Says Director
Ahmed Emam Dr. Fadel Naeem, Director of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, has condemned the repeated targeting of the hospital by Israeli forces, saying it reflects a deliberate policy aimed at dismantling Gaza's healthcare infrastructure and forcibly displacing its population. Speaking to Egypt Media, Dr. Naeem confirmed that the hospital was hit again in recent hours, in what he described as the latest incident in a series of attacks. 'This is not the first time,' he said. 'The hospital was previously subjected to a horrific strike on October 17, 2023, and has since suffered three more attacks. The occupation does not differentiate between hospitals, streets, or markets. Everything in Gaza has become a target.' In the same connection, Dr. Naeem emphasized that the broader objective of these attacks appears to be making Gaza uninhabitable. With several major hospitals, including Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda, now out of service, Al-Ahli Baptist is under immense pressure, he said. 'There are currently only two main centers providing medical care in the north — Al-Shifa Center and the Red Crescent Emergency Unit.' The latest attack also claimed the lives of four journalists, in addition to civilians, hospital staff, and paramedics. Dr. Naeem denounced the targeting of journalists as a means to suppress the truth and conceal the scale of civilian suffering. 'This is about silencing the witnesses to what is happening in Gaza,' he said. Beyond the loss of life, the psychological toll on medical staff has been severe. 'When our colleagues are injured or killed inside the hospital, working becomes far more difficult than dealing with mass casualties from outside,' Naeem noted. Despite the escalating dangers, he reaffirmed the commitment of Gaza's medical teams to continue their mission. 'We took an oath to save lives,' he said. 'And we will carry on — no matter what the cost.' read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
TimesLIVE
29-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Sudan war shatters infrastructure, costly rebuild needed
One consequence of the infrastructure breakdown can be seen in a rapid cholera outbreak that has claimed 172 deaths out of 2,729 cases over the past week alone mainly in Khartoum. Other parts of central and western Sudan, including the Darfur region, are similarly ravaged by fighting, while the extensive damage in Khartoum, once the centre of service provision, reverberates across the country. Sudanese authorities estimate reconstruction needs at $300bn for Khartoum and $700bn for the rest of Sudan. The UN is doing its own estimates. Sudan's oil production has more than halved to 24,000 barrels-per-day and its refining capabilities ceased as the main al-Jaili oil refinery sustained $3bn in damages during battles, oil and energy minister Mohieddine Naeem told Reuters. Without refining capacity, Sudan now exports all its crude and relies on imports, he said. It also struggles to maintain pipelines needed by South Sudan for its own exports. Earlier this month, drones targeted fuel depots and the airport at the country's main port city in an attack Sudan blamed on the UAE. The Gulf country denied the accusations. All of Khartoum's power stations have been destroyed, Naeem said. The national electrical company recently announced a plan to increase supply from Egypt to northern Sudan and said earlier in the year that repeated drone attacks to stations outside Khartoum were stretching its ability to keep the grid going. LOOTED COPPER Government forces re-took Khartoum earlier this year and as people return to houses turned upside down by looters, one distinctive feature has been deep holes drilled into walls and roads to uncover valuable copper wire. On Sudan's Nile Street, once its busiest throughway, there is a ditch about one metre deep and 4km long, stripped of wiring and with traces of burning. Khartoum's two main water stations went out of commission early in the war as RSF soldiers looted machinery and used fuel oil to power vehicles, according to Khartoum state spokesperson Altayeb Saadeddine. Those who have remained in Khartoum resort to drinking water from the Nile or long-forgotten wells, exposing them to waterborne illnesses. But there are few hospitals equipped to treat them. 'There has been systematic sabotage by militias against hospitals, and most medical equipment has been looted and what remains has been deliberately destroyed,' said health minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, putting losses to the health system at $11bn. With two or three million people looking at returning to Khartoum, interventions were needed to avoid further humanitarian emergencies like the cholera outbreak, said UN Development Programme resident representative Luca Renda. But continued war and limited budget means a full-scale reconstruction plan is not in the works. 'What we can do ... with the capacity we have on the ground, is to look at smaller-scale infrastructure rehabilitation,' he said, like solar-power water pumps, hospitals, and schools. In that way, he said, the war may provide an opportunity for decentralising services away from Khartoum, and pursuing greener energy sources.
Shafaq News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Hamas open to handing over Gaza administration, official says
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, a senior Hamas official confirmed that the group is engaged in direct talks with the United States about the Gaza conflict, viewing US President Donald Trump as a potential mediator for a peace agreement. Bassem Naeem, a member of Hamas's political bureau and head of its political department in Gaza, spoke with Sky News, disclosing that Hamas has presented its proposed deal both through intermediaries and directly to certain figures within the US administration. The group's demands, according to him, include a prisoner exchange, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, unrestricted access for aid into Gaza, and reconstruction of the territory without forced displacement, all contingent on a ceasefire. Naeem also noted the possibility of Hamas relinquishing control of Gaza, highlighting the group's acceptance of an Egyptian peace proposal calling for the formation of an independent Palestinian body, politically unaffiliated, to administer the territory. 'Until then, as an occupied people, we retain the right to defend ourselves and resist the occupation by all means,' Naeem stressed. Addressing the US president, who is currently visiting the region, he expressed confidence in Trump's ability and willingness to broker a peaceful resolution. 'Gaza's population deserves to live in peace and dignity, like all peoples everywhere. If sufficient pressure is applied on Israel to end the conflict promptly, the United States can help achieve this, and we stand ready to cooperate toward a more peaceful region,' Naeem added. Hamas has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
