A recent surge in vaping among Malaysian high school students has raised serious concerns about public health, with over 12,000 students caught vaping last year. This alarming increase has been linked to the widespread influence of social media trends and the easy accessibility of e-cigarettes via online platforms. In response, the Malaysian government has introduced the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), aiming to curb the rise in vaping among youth.
According to Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, as of September 2024, 12,252 students were involved in vaping activities—an issue that is increasingly affecting not only boys but also girls. Experts suggest the growth in popularity of vaping can be attributed to its marketing as a “safer” alternative to traditional smoking. However, health professionals have strongly contested this view, warning that e-cigarettes carry similar risks, including addiction and respiratory issues, particularly for young people whose bodies are more vulnerable.
Act 852, which came into force on 1 October 2024, has implemented several key measures to combat this trend. The legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing or using vaping products. It also imposes stricter regulations on the marketing of e-cigarettes, both online and in physical stores, to ensure that they are not promoted to young people. Additionally, the law expands the list of designated non-smoking areas to 28 and imposes harsher penalties for violations.
Despite these new laws, experts argue that tackling the vaping crisis requires more than just legal frameworks. The government’s efforts are seen as a critical first step, but there is a widespread belief that the success of these initiatives hinges on community involvement. Wong Kah Woh emphasized the importance of public participation in the fight against vaping, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to take action alongside the government.
Civil society organisations, such as the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (PEMADAM), are playing a key role in raising awareness about the dangers of vaping. In collaboration with the authorities, these organizations have launched several public health initiatives, including the JomSihat and JomLapor programs.
JomSihat focuses on educating various segments of the population, targeting children, teenagers, university students, parents, and teachers—the latter group being seen as key influencers. The JomLapor platform allows the public to report violations of the vaping laws anonymously, empowering citizens to take responsibility for their health and their community’s well-being.
Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad has stressed the importance of a “whole-of-society” approach in tackling the vaping epidemic, saying that the government, private sectors, and civil society must all collaborate to address the crisis effectively. “This is not just the government’s responsibility,” he said. “We all must work together to halt this crisis.”
As vaping continues to spread among Malaysian teens, Act 852 provides a vital legal framework to address underage use of e-cigarettes. However, experts agree that to truly combat the problem, it will take more than just legislation. A unified effort involving both government regulations and community-led awareness campaigns will be crucial to reversing the rising trend of vaping and ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
