KUANTAN: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed strong support for the call by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, for a total ban on e-cigarette or vape products, urging the government to give consideration to the suggestion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MMA President Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira highlighted the urgency of addressing vaping among the population to prevent irreversible health damage. The increasing vape usage among youths in the country is particularly concerning and requires immediate action.

Dr Kalwinder emphasized that vaping can lead to serious health issues, including breathing problems, severe lung disease, and other organ damage. He also noted that vaping can contribute to addiction to drugs and other harmful substances. The MMA pointed to statistics from 2020, which reported 2,807 EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United Stat
es. In Malaysia, 41 EVALI cases have been reported from 2019 until September 30 this year.

The media reported on November 14 that the Malaysian government spends over RM150,000 to treat an individual suffering from EVALI. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad projected that treatment costs could rise to RM369 million annually by 2030 without control measures against electronic cigarettes or vapes.

Dr Kalwinder stated that the association believes a total ban on e-cigarette or vaping products would be the best control measure. He asserted that vaping offers no health benefits and imposes significant costs on healthcare.

Earlier, the media reported that Sultan Al-Sultan Abdullah suggested a complete ban on electronic cigarettes or vapes due to concerns over increasing drug abuse in Pahang, especially among the youth. Statistics from the National Anti-Drug Agency indicate that the use of vape is a primary factor leading young people into drug addiction, both directly and indirectly.