Tobacco and vape retail display at a myNEWS.com store at The Scott Garden in Kuala Lumpur on April 2, 2025. Photo by CodeBlue.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) commends the Sarawak state government for taking a strong stand against vape through stricter controls and enhanced enforcement on vape sales under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), from October 1, 2025.
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.
MMA once again urges the federal government not to delay introducing a nationwide ban on vape, as many states have already taken steps in this direction.
Stronger coordinated action is crucial to protect Malaysians, especially the younger generation, against this serious threat to public health.
Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira is president of the Malaysian Medical Association.
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