Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill can curb use of vape
MOHAMAD AMREEL IMAN ABD MALEK
SHAH ALAM - The National Association Against Drug Abuse (Pemadam) is confident that the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill that will be presented in the Dewan Rakyat session in May will be able to curb the use of vape among Malaysians.
Pemadam Women, Family and Cure Bureau chairman Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar said efforts to curb it was necessary as these items paved the way for drug abuse.
This, she said could be seen from the Royal Malaysia Police's (PDRM) report that stated that some irresponsible parties had mixed vape liquids with drugs.
"Liquid ketamine, magic mushroom, ganja cubes, syabu are hidden behind fruity, creamy or freebase flavours. It is clear and obvious that vaping has the potential to be used for abuse of various types of dangerous drugs.
"Pemadam is concerned about the use of electronic cigarettes or vape that are becoming out of control. In 2019, 300,000 school students nationwide had used these.
"It was reported by the Health Ministry today (yesterday) that 43,019 secondary school students are smokers," she said in a statement, yesterday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Parliament session yesterday assured that the tabling of the bill will not be delayed and the MPs will be given space to discuss in the second term meeting of the 15th Parliament.
Meanwhile, Jamilah said the government also needed to seriously look at the development of these harmful products since there were business financing scheme institutions that provided easy loans for those who wanted to start a vape business.
"Pemadam is confident that the government, which has been independent for 66 years, has the authority to enact a special bill on tobacco products and smoking habits as well as recognising smoking and vaping as harmful to the young generation.
"Pemadam calls on all MPs and Dewan Negara members to support the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill that will be tabled by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa in May," she said.
