With the tabling of the Cigarette Smoking and Public Health Bill 2023 this week, the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association, or Pemadam has called on the public to support its intervention programme by educating youths on the dangers of smoking and vaping.
The association has conducted various no-smoking programmes with other NGOs which provide support and tools for the public to quit smoking and vaping.
“Today’s intervention programme is the first programme that targets B40 youth. Parents and youth were invited to a briefing which will guide them on the processes they will undertake to quit smoking. They were given Carbon Monoxide (CO) exhalation and Lung Spirometry which are used to test their lung capacity and ability, which will be impacted by smoking and vaping. PEMADAM took this initiative as we understand that smoking and vaping are gateways to drug addiction, and we would like to nip this in the bud,” said YBhg Dato’ Haji Kaswuri Keman, Chairman, mQuit-PEMADAM-KKM Programme.
He added there have been reports that drugs are infused in vape liquid. Present to brief the youth on the dangers of smoking and vaping is Dr Mohd Afiq Mohd Nor, President of the Persatuan Kesihatan IKRAM Malaysia (Ikram Health). Ikram
Health is an NGO comprising the medical fraternity. Also present are Encik Mohd Dziehan Mustapa, Deputy Chairman of M3 and Encik Rashdan Rashid, Chairman, PAVAC. These NGOs have been very vocal in highlighting the dangers of smoking especially vaping and support the need to have the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 be passed in the Parliament.
“There is a possibility of adverse long-term effect impact of e-cigarettes and vapes on human health. Even reports by tobacco sponsors, which have produced conflicting results, ultimately could not say vapes and e-cigarettes are safe. I sincerely hope I can make as many people understand the danger,” said Dr Afiq. In support of creating a healthier youth, Ikram Health is running a petition to urge the Parliament to vote for the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023. Which will regulate the use of e-cigarettes or vapes, which have thus far operated without regulatory oversight.
It is worth noting that currently, there are no regulations governing the manufacturing, packaging, storage, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes and vapes, which has allowed them to be sold even to minors. The appeal of these products, with their colorful and enticing packaging, as well as a wide array of flavors, has led to a concerning increase in vaping among teenagers, some of whom may be drawn to them due to their packaging resembling everyday items like pens or toys.
