By Emily Ruran
KUCHING, July 30: Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has urged the federal government to take a more serious approach to reviewing the use and regulation of vape products, warning that their misuse and growing healthcare costs can no longer be overlooked.
He said the issue warrants greater attention, particularly given the Health Ministry’s increasing expenditure on treating vape-related illnesses.
Abdul Karim, who also chairs the National Malaysia Drugs Prevention Association (Pemadam) Sarawak, noted that revenue generated from vape taxes is insufficient to offset the costs of healthcare treatment and rehabilitation associated with vape use.
“Whether it is the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) or Pemadam, which I chair in Sarawak, we want vape to be examined more seriously.
“The revenue the government receives from vape taxes is not even half of what is being spent on rehabilitation programmes and treating diseases linked to vape use.
“It is time for the federal government to take a closer look at this issue,” he said at a press conference at the ministry’s office in Baitulmakmur Building 2 today.
Abdul Karim was responding to the Health Ministry’s disclosure yesterday that the annual health and economic burden of vape-related diseases is estimated at RM369 million, surpassing the RM354.51 million in excise duties collected from vape products between 2023 and June 11 this year.
The ministry said the tax revenue generated does not justify allowing vape products to remain on the market.
It is also assessing a proposal to ban bottled vape liquids due to concerns that they can be mixed with illicit drugs and other prohibited substances.
Abdul Karim noted that vape products were initially introduced as an alternative for smokers seeking to quit conventional cigarettes but have since evolved into a broader public health concern.
He expressed alarm over reports that vape devices are being used to consume illicit substances such as morphine, marijuana and fentanyl.
“What is happening now is that vape is being used for purposes beyond what it was originally intended for. This will not bode well for Malaysia’s youth in the long term,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that he would support any move to implement a nationwide vape ban, pointing out that several countries have already taken similar measures. — DayakDaily
