KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has commended the Sarawak state government for taking a strong stand against vape.
In a statement on Wednesday (Sept 3), its president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira praised Sarawak’s move to introduce stricter controls and enhanced enforcement on vape sales under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which will come into effect on Oct 1.
“These measures, particularly in safeguarding the youth against vaping and nicotine addiction, are timely and much needed.
“Vaping has been linked to serious health risks, including lung injury, cardiovascular disease, nicotine addiction, impaired brain development in adolescents and exposure to harmful chemicals, he said.
Dr Kalwinder then urged the federal government not to delay introducing a nationwide ban on vaping, as many states have taken steps in this direction.
“Stronger coordinated action is crucial to protect Malaysians, especially the younger generation, against this serious threat to public health,” he said.
It was reported that among the key provisions under the act are the ban on sales to those under 18, prohibition on promotions, advertisements and sponsorships, and the ban on online or vending machine sales.