CodeBlue, a non-profit health organization in Malaysia, is urging lawmakers to vote in support of the "Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill," which would prohibit individuals born after 2005 from purchasing and using cigarettes. Here is the full statement.
The crucial "Tobacco and Smoking Control Act" will be submitted to Parliament this week, which will have an impact on the health and social welfare of our future generations. It is crucial that all members of Parliament fully understand these issues and support this important legislation.
It is important to note that this bill does not restrict smoking among adults, but rather aims to prohibit the sale and use of cigarettes and e-cigarette products to all children born after 2005 (those who will turn 18 in 2023).
Smoking is a rapidly growing epidemic among our children. The 2019 national health and disease rate survey provides us with national data on adolescent smoking behavior. The data is alarming for children aged 15 to 19, as it shows a significant increase in smoking rates.
At present, there are 303,800 smokers, accounting for 11.6% of the population.
A total of 196,000 individuals, which is equivalent to 7.5% of the population, are currently using e-cigarettes.
15.6% of teenagers aged 15 to 19 are currently using tobacco products.
It is anticipated that since the investigation, there has been a significant increase in the number of adolescents who have started using electronic cigarettes in recent years. As pediatricians, we are aware that many young children are drawn to using electronic cigarette products due to their appealing flavors and stylish devices, as well as the desire to appear "cool".
Teenagers smoking electronic cigarettes and becoming addicted can be seen throughout the country. It is widely recognized that most smokers develop their habit in their teens, and smoking e-cigarettes only makes it easier to develop addiction.
Worrying statistics have emerged from the Malaysian National Tobacco and E-cigarette Survey among Youth (TECMA), which shows that 9.1% of Malaysian youths aged 10 to 19 currently use e-cigarettes, with at least 600,000 children included in this group. Among these children, half started using e-cigarettes before the age of 14.
Smoking addiction is extremely difficult to overcome. Some users will gradually turn to more addictive and harmful drugs.
We urge our congressional representatives to consider the health and well-being of all of our children. Please vote in favor of the Tobacco Control Act. The impact of eliminating a major source of social ills and reducing the long-term health problems and death tolls cannot be overstated.
Voting in favor of this bill is a vote in support of investing in the current and future health and well-being of our children.
Voting in favor of the bill represents a vote of hope for all families whose children are no longer addicted to drugs or e-cigarettes.
Voting in favor of the bill is a vote in support of our healthcare system to alleviate the burden of major illnesses.
Dr. Amar-Singh HSS is a pediatric consultant.
Dr. Selva Kumar is a pediatric consultant and the president of the Malaysian Pediatric Association (MPA).
Dr. Musa Mohd Nordin, pediatric consultant.
Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, Pediatric Consultant.
Dr. Thiyagar Nadarajaw is a pediatric consultant and vice president of the Malaysian Adolescent Health Association (MAAH).
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