The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) fully supports the Ministry of Health’s plan to ban the sale and sale of vapes nationwide. Its Senior Vice President noted that the increasing use of vapes by non-smokers, including teenagers, can lead to health problems, including fatal lung damage. Malaysia has seen 41 cases of lung damage since 2019, and the associated treatment costs are estimated to reach RM369 million (approximately US$87.08 million) annually by 2030. The Foundation calls for stronger regulation through legislation, crackdowns on illegal sales, and public awareness campaigns.
Key Points:
- The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) supports the Ministry of Health’s proposal to ban the sale and sale of vapes nationwide.
- Vapes pose significant risks. Malaysia has seen 41 cases of lung damage, and the associated treatment costs could reach RM369 million (approximately US$87.08 million) annually by 2030.
- The Foundation calls for the passage of the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024 to strengthen regulation, crack down on illegal sales, and enhance public awareness campaigns.
Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation supports vape ban
According to a Straits Times report on August 4, the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) fully supports the Ministry of Health’s proposed nationwide ban on the sale and use of vapes.
MCPF Senior Vice President Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob said that a growing number of non-smokers, especially teenagers, are using vapes, putting them at risk of serious health problems such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, and EVALI (Emergency Vaccine Alternative Medicine)—a potentially fatal condition.
- “Deaths from EVALI have occurred in the United States, while Malaysia has recorded 41 cases since 2019. The Ministry of Health warns that the cost of treating EVALI-related illnesses could rise to RM369 million (US$87.08 million) annually by 2030, with the current estimated cost of RM150,892.11 (US$35,611) per patient hospitalized for more than 12 days,”
He said in a statement.
Ahmad noted that the claim that vapes are safer than traditional cigarettes is misleading because they contain toxic chemicals and high levels of nicotine, which can damage the lungs and brain, particularly among adolescents.
- “The toxic chemicals in vapes can lead to nicotine addiction, damaging the lungs and brain, especially among adolescents. If left unchecked, vape addiction could become as prevalent as drug abuse and cause serious harm.”
He added.
The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation stated that the Ministry of Health must tighten regulations on smoking products by implementing the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024 (Act 852) and conduct regular monitoring to combat illegal online vape sales targeting youth.
The foundation also called for increased public awareness campaigns on social media and mainstream platforms, engaging influencers, youth leaders, and medical experts to share facts about the dangers of vapes.
- “We also urge relevant departments to cooperate in curbing the supply and sale of illegal cigarettes, as the presence of such products in the market will negatively impact public perception of the authorities and the government’s efforts to address the problem.”
Ahmed said.
