By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 13: Sarawak has launched Safe Lungs Operation (Ops Selamat PaPa) to spearhead its drive for a healthier, smoke-free future, with authorities pledging to curb cigarette and vape use through strict enforcement and heightened public awareness.
Launching the Sarawak-level programme at Wisma Sabati here today on behalf of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the operation will boost compliance with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) while encouraging collaboration among enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), industry players, and local communities.
He stressed that the Sarawak government is fully committed to working with the Sarawak State Health Department to ensure the successful implementation of Act 852, which has been enforced in stages since Oct 1, 2024.
“This initiative is not only about enforcement, but also about education, prevention, and cultivating sustainable healthy living norms,” he said.
To address the growing misuse of vape and electronic cigarettes, Wee noted that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently announced the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) is moving towards a total ban on their use and sale to safeguard public health and is currently awaiting the results of a detailed study by an expert committee on the proposal before presenting it to the Cabinet.
He further commended public health enforcement officers across Sarawak for their high commitment and achievements in carrying out integrated operations during the initial phase of the Act’s enforcement, which included premise inspections, issuance of compounds, strict legal action against violators, and public education activities.
“This is proof that our enforcement capabilities are on solid footing,” he said, adding that the State government will continue to collaborate to strengthen public health policies for the well-being of the people of Sarawak.
Wee also voiced concern over the rising threat of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vape, particularly to children and minors, as marketing tactics including attractive product designs, social media promotions and online sales have made such products easily accessible.
“This must be curbed before it becomes widespread,” he warned.
The Ops Selamat PaPa programme, organised by the Sarawak State Health Department, brings together multiple agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), local authorities, and media partners, in a unified effort to safeguard public health.
Wee expressed hope that the campaign will succeed in increasing awareness among Sarawakians about the dangers of smoking and vaping, strengthening compliance with Act 852, and fostering long-term healthy lifestyle habits.
“We all hold a great responsibility to safeguard the lung health of our people. Protecting public spaces from cigarette smoke pollution is our shared responsibility,” he added. — DayakDaily
