Rising E-Cigarette Use Among Malaysian Youth, Especially Girls

Jul.08.2022
Rising E-Cigarette Use Among Malaysian Youth, Especially Girls
More Malaysian girls are using e-cigarettes, with a doubling in their use among the youth population, despite perceived low risks.

A survey conducted by the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) in Malaysia found that more young women are becoming addicted to e-cigarettes.


CAP anti-tobacco activists and education officials, led by N.V. Subbarow, have stated that their investigations have revealed that the proportion of young people using e-cigarettes has doubled compared to the previous year.


He stated that while the popularity of electronic cigarettes is increasing, the perceived risk of harm is low.


Many boys and girls are unaware of the risks associated with electronic cigarettes. However, some young girls have admitted that e-cigarettes contain nicotine.


Our investigation also showed that more and more stores are selling these devices, including in rural areas, with some even offering installment payment plans," said Subbarow.


He stated that the majority of the students and young women interviewed were between the ages of 14 and 22.


Many of these girls attend private universities and have turned to e-cigarettes due to their diverse tastes. We are concerned that these young people may become addicted to nicotine.


Subbarow stated that CAP urges the Ministry of Health to ban e-cigarettes and cease issuing new licenses to establishments selling e-cigarette devices.


Many roadside stalls are selling electronic cigarettes and e-cigarette devices for as low as 50 Malaysian ringgit.


He further stated that CAP is urging for more health education campaigns to be carried out in primary schools, secondary schools and universities.


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