Key points:
1. The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) believed that the actual number of students using e-cigarettes may be far higher than the 20,000 mentioned by the deputy minister.
2. CAP said that student e-cigarette use is more serious than smoking.
3. CAP suggested halting the issuance of new licenses for e-cigarette shops, prohibiting their establishment near schools, and calling for strict penalties against those selling tobacco products to students, while advocating for a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes.
2Firsts, reporting from Shenzhen - Malaysia's Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said 20,000 students were involved in e-cigarette use in 2024, but CAP believes that the numbers mentioned by the deputy minister are not accurate, UTUSAN reported.
The organization believes that the actual number of students involved in e-cigarette use activities may be higher. The agency found in discussions with students that many admitted to using e-cigarettes, with some even obtaining them from their fathers or older brothers at home. This phenomenon is no longer seen as a taboo in Malaysian households.
According to the deputy minister, 3,704 students were found smoking. The CAP says this number is accurate because most teenagers do not enjoy smoking.
CAP suggested that local authorities cease issuing new e-cigarette store licenses and may consider halting the renewal of existing licenses. E-cigarette stores should not be located near schools or communities, and roadside stalls selling these products should also be banned.
CAP also called for stricter penalties against retailers selling e-cigarettes to children or students, and urging the health department to ban e-cigarettes.
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