Rise in vaping among youth an alarming trend says Malaysia s Health Ministry
Rise in vaping among youth an alarming trend, says Malaysia’s Health Ministry
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alt="Malaysias Health Ministry has implemented interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits."/>Malaysias Health Ministry has implemented interventions to curb smoking and vaping habits.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
E-cigarettes/VapingKULAI, Johor – While Malaysia has made progress in reducing adult smoking rates, the rise in vaping is an alarming trend, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
He cited findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 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,” he said in his speech during the state-level World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day held on July 12.
“This is not just a health issue but a social one.”
Datuk 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 that the Health 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.
“BeBAs is a multi-agency effort involving government bodies, NGOs (non-governmental organisations),professional organisations and corporate partners. It aims to drive public understanding and compliance with smoke-free regulations.
“The ministry has also partnered with the
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