KUCHING: A medical expert said the implementation of stricter regulations for vape and electronic cigarettes by next month is better late than never.
Associate Professor Dr Helmy Hazmi of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences said this as the discussion regarding the smoking and vape usage has quieten down.
He said that since the last omission of nicotine from the Poison Act and the failure to enforce the Generational End Game move, the tobacco industry, especially the sales of e-cigarette products, seems to be booming, profiting from the regulation gap.
“I am not sure if people have noticed the sprouting of ‘vape drive-through kiosks,’ some of which are within 500m of schools.
“In some convenience outlets typically frequented by children and teens, vape products are prominently and attractively displayed at the counter, and they even screen videos of stylish young people using e-cigarettes.
“It is obvious to whom these advertisements are targeting,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune.
Assoc Prof Helmy said that all the issues must be addressed under the new regulations and the loopholes must be covered or minimised.
“Hopefully, with the new law, our enforcement officers will not be toothless and we need to save our youngsters.
“Youngsters easily emulate adults and while smoking trends may be declining among the young, vaping habits are seeing an uptick.
“It is crucial that we take decisive action now to protect the health and future of our youth.”
Earlier reports stated that federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that despite the multiple delays, the ministry is doing its best to get Regulations and Orders 2b endorsed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
“The regulations are to be simultaneously enforced with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
“While I truly understand the anxiety caused by the delay in the implementation of the ‘Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), I seek your empathy that the Health Ministry is doing its level best to get the ‘Regulations & Orders’ 2b endorsed by AGC,” he said recently.
