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New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Over 70pct of seized vapes contain drugs, says Health Ministry
KULAI: The Health Ministry is intensifying its collaboration with the police to combat the growing threat of vape products laced with illegal narcotics, particularly synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said a total of 96 investigation papers were opened between January 2023 and March this year over vape products that tested positive for banned substances. "More than 70 per cent of these cases involved vape liquids confirmed to contain synthetic drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines," he told reporters after officiating the World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day events here today. Also present were Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad. Lukanisman said the ministry's laboratories are now working closely with the police to further analyse seized samples and trace their source of production. "We are targeting enforcement at the manufacturing level, including factories and vape liquid producers, to determine the composition of these substances. "While we've yet to identify the specific producers or origin of the drug-laced vape liquids, our data-gathering efforts are ongoing and will support enforcement under relevant laws, including those under the jurisdiction of the police," he said. In May, the ministry set up a special committee to monitor the suspected abuse of narcotics through vaping. Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari had said the ministry was reviewing current enforcement provisions under the newly implemented Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. Lukanisman stressed that the issue of drug-laced vape products must not be taken lightly, as it poses a serious threat, particularly to teenagers and unsuspecting consumers. "We will not allow drug-laced vape products to continue circulating in the market. "Our next step is to identify the syndicates behind their distribution," he added.
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH addresses doctor brain drain with new permanent positions
KULAI: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently in discussions with the Public Service Department (PSD) regarding the filling of new permanent positions for medical officers. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the initiative aims to alleviate the burden faced by medical officers and fill vacancies at public healthcare facilities nationwide. 'The authority to create (permanent medical officer posts) positions does not lie with MOH. Therefore, the ministry has submitted a request to increase permanent positions. 'The director-general of Health, Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, is reviewing the current imbalance in distribution and placement of medical officers based on nationwide needs,' he told reporters after launching the World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day at IOI Mall here today. Also present were Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor State Health Department (JKNJ) director Dr Mohtar Pungut@Ahmad. He said this in response to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira's call for the government to abolish the contract appointment system for doctors to restore their confidence in continuing to serve in the public sector. Lukanisman added that MOH had completed the first phase of the e-placement involving medical officers. 'We had around 2,231 placements for the first phase and a total of 6,414 permanent posts. This phase has been completed. 'Medical officers need to understand that these permanent positions are for the entire country. Currently, 60 per cent of applications from medical officers have been fulfilled, with placements made at health facilities as per their requests. 'We still have vacancies for medical officers in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. MOH appeals to medical officers to accept these placements, as they are permanent positions.' 'We will also consider appeals from medical officers because it is very unfair for the people of Sabah and Sarawak to be deprived of medical services', he said. In a related development, he said the government is seeking ways to retain local medical officers and prevent their migration abroad by enhancing the staffing system and improving the welfare of healthcare workers. Lukanisman said the ministry is committed to ensuring a better work-life balance for local doctors, as Malaysia is currently facing competition from hospitals and medical companies in Singapore offering attractive salary packages. He said the government is paying serious attention to issues such as on-call duties, fatigue, bullying in hospitals, and healthcare staff welfare. 'Although the government is not yet able to offer salaries on par with other countries, we are improving the system to provide a better work-life balance at least. Issues like on-call duties, burnout among medical officers, and bullying in hospitals are being discussed, as these cannot be solved merely through awareness campaigns,' said Lukanisman. It was reported on July 9 that Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) conducted interview sessions with doctors and general practitioners (GPs) in Malaysia at Traders Hotel KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. - Bernama
The Star
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry to engage PSD for new permanent MO positions to tackle brain drain, says Lukanisman
KULAI: The Health Ministry has engaged in discussions with the Public Service Department (PSD) to fill new permanent positions for medical officers. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said that this initiative aimed to alleviate the burden on medical officers and fill vacancies in public healthcare facilities nationwide. "The authority to create permanent medical officer positions does not rest with the Health Ministry. Consequently, the ministry has submitted a request to increase permanent positions. "Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, has reviewed the current imbalance in the distribution and placement of medical officers based on nationwide needs," he said to reporters after launching the World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day at IOI Mall here on Saturday (July 12). Also present were Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut@Ahmad. He made these remarks in response to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira's call for the government to abolish the contract appointment system for doctors to restore their confidence in continuing to serve in the public sector. ALSO READ: Health Ministry to launch bullying management guidelines Lukanisman added that the ministry had completed the first phase of the e-placement involving medical officers. "We had around 2,231 placements for the first phase and a total of 6,414 permanent posts. This phase has been completed. "Medical officers need to understand that these permanent positions are for the entire country. Currently, 60% of applications from medical officers have been fulfilled, with placements made at health facilities as per their requests. "We still have vacancies for medical officers in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. The ministry appeals to medical officers to accept these placements, as they are permanent positions. "We will also consider appeals from medical officers because it is very unfair for the people of Sabah and Sarawak to be deprived of medical services," he said. In a related development, he noted that the government was seeking ways to retain local medical officers and prevent their migration abroad by enhancing the staffing system and improving the welfare of healthcare workers. Lukanisman said the ministry was committed to ensuring a better work-life balance for local doctors, as Malaysia faced competition from hospitals and medical companies in Singapore offering attractive salary packages. He said that the government was paying serious attention to issues such as on-call duties, fatigue, bullying in hospitals, and healthcare staff welfare. "Although the government is not yet able to offer salaries on par with other countries, we are improving the system to provide a better work-life balance at least. Issues like on-call duties, burnout among medical officers, and bullying in hospitals are being discussed, as these cannot be solved merely through awareness campaigns," said Lukanisman. It was reported on July 9 that Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) conducted interview sessions with doctors and general practitioners (GPs) in Malaysia at Traders Hotel KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH and police intensify crackdown on drug-laced vape sales in Malaysia
KULAI: The Ministry of Health (MOH) will step up cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to combat the rising sale of vape products containing illicit drugs. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said 96 investigation papers involving drug-laced vape liquids were recorded between early last year and March, with over 70 per cent testing positive for synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines. 'We are collaborating more closely with the police while stepping up laboratory inspections to test suspicious samples,' he said after officiating a joint event for World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day at IOI Mall here today. The ministry also plans to tighten oversight at the manufacturing and production stages to detect illegal substances at the source, he added. Present at the event were Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad. Lukanisman said authorities are still identifying those responsible for producing drug-laced vape products. 'We haven't determined the source or manufacturers involved. Investigations are ongoing before any enforcement action is taken under existing laws, including those under police jurisdiction,' he said. In May, the ministry set up a special committee to monitor the issue, with Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari noting a review of existing laws is underway.
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Rise in vaping among youth an alarming trend, says Malaysia's Health Ministry
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Malaysia's Health Ministry has implemented interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. KULAI, Johor - While Malaysia has made progress in reducing adult smoking rates, the rise in vaping is an alarming trend, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. He cited findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showing that the adult smoking rate dropped from 22.4 per cent in 2019 to 19.8 per cent in 2023. 'However, vape use increased from 4.9 per cent to 5.1 per cent over the same period. Even more concerning is the growing number of children, or underage persons, taking up electronic smoking products. 'This is not just a health issue but a social one,' he said in his speech during the state-level World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day held on July 12. Mr Lukanisman urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children, warning that early exposure to nicotine could lead to long-term organ damage and other behavioural problems. He added the ministry has taken a firm stance by implementing comprehensive interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. Mr Lukanisman said one initiative is the Walkabout Premis Bersih, Bebas Asap (BeBAs) programme, which encourages food premises to maintain cleanliness and enforce smoke-free zones, especially in restaurants and hawker areas. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Singapore More NSFs may be recruited to tackle scams: Police Business F&B operators face tougher business landscape amid rising costs and stiff competition Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Life SG60 F&B icons: 20 dishes and drinks which have shaped Singaporeans' taste buds Life At 79, she can do 100 pull-ups: Why more seniors are hitting the gym Life The rise of Tupai King, the rage of weather: How durian season is changing Life Hear Me Out: What I wish my parents knew before I was diagnosed with ADHD 'BeBAs is a multi-agency effort involving government bodies, NGOs, professional organisations, and corporate partners. It aims to drive public understanding and compliance with smoke-free regulations. 'The ministry has also partnered with the Education Ministry to launch the Kotak (Oral Health Without Smoking) programme in schools, working alongside groups like the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), and Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam),' he added. Mr Lukanisman also said to further bolster enforcement, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) officially came into force on 1 October last year. 'This law gives us broader authority to regulate not only tobacco but also vaping products. 'Through Ops Cakna under this Act, we are sending a clear message that the government is serious about protecting public health, especially school children, from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping,' he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
