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New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Vape ban: Concerns are real but proposed solutions flawed
ACROSS Malaysia, we're witnessing a growing wave of state-led attempts to ban vape products with Perlis, Terengganu and Kedah announcing prohibitions, with Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan reportedly considering the same. Publicly, leaders and MPs are now echoing calls for a nationwide ban, citing concerns over vape products laced with drugs and growing concern over youth vaping. Let us be clear: these concerns are real, but the proposed solutions are dangerously flawed. The reason we are seeing issues like underage use and contaminated products is not because of the legal vape industry. It is because irresponsible, illegal retailers and criminal syndicates continue to operate without fear of consequences. These bad actors have no regard for regulations, age restrictions or product safety. They are the ones supplying unregistered products, selling to minors and introducing dangerous substances into the supply chain. Banning vape will not stop these criminals. It will only penalise legitimate, regulated businesses, while empowering the black market. The leaders now calling for a ban are reacting to the harm caused by illegal and unregulated players. But instead of focusing efforts on enforcement to eliminate these elements, they propose a blanket ban that would wipe out responsible retailers, many of whom are registered and comply with all current regulations. If we take the easy way out and ban vape outright, we risk creating an entirely unregulated underground market. Everything will be black market. No age checks, no quality control, no accountability. This is the worst possible outcome for public health. We must remember that the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), has now been introduced. This is the very tool meant to bring vape into a regulated space, to ensure product safety, protect youth, and allow only legal players to operate. Why are we not concentrating our energy on implementing this law effectively, with robust enforcement to weed out the bad actors? According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Malaysia 2023 survey by the Institute for Public Health under the Ministry of Health, the majority of vape users are aged 15 to 24 years. These numbers did not emerge under a regulated environment. They grew due the absence of a clear regulatory framework. This proves that prohibition does not work. What works is regulations, oversight and the political will to enforce the law. Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association fully supports regulations. We support clear rules that keep products out of the hands of minors and ensure safety for adult consumers. But we cannot support a system where the actions of criminal syndicates are used to justify blanket bans that harm legitimate businesses. With Act 852 already in place, the focus must be on moving forward: implementing it with urgency, investing in enforcement and strengthening the regulatory framework so that only responsible, compliant players remain in the market. Banning regulated products is not a solution, it is an abdication of responsibility that hands the market over to criminals. If we want to protect public health and consumer safety, we must stay the course, enforce the law decisively, and commit to building a legal, transparent vape industry that operates within clear and accountable boundaries.
Mint
11-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Manoj Pant: Let's prepare well for negotiations on trade in services
Here are some facts. Today, the share of services in global trade stands at about 25%. More importantly, it is the only category of trade that has expanded at a rapid pace since the financial crisis year of 2008. In recent years, the share of goods in trade has fallen by about 5 percentage points and there has been a corresponding increase in the case of services. This pattern is mirrored in India's case. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the share of services in terms of export gross value added (GVA) has increased from around 51% in 2014-15 to around 55% now. Further, it is growth in services trade which has kept India's current account deficit (CAD) at a manageable 2% of GDP. It was the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that led to a decline in global tariffs. Till recently, except some countries in South Asia, import tariffs were in single digits (before Donald Trump took office in the US). And today, international arguments increasingly revolve around non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Also Read: Services led exports are a mixed blessing for the Indian economy It was a stalemate over NTBs at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that led many countries to take recourse to regional trading arrangements to expand their trade over the last two decades. This has the advantage of going beyond the WTO in new areas. One of these is trade in services. The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) was based on a 'positive list' approach, where countries only need to make offers when they want to. But this has meant very little forward movement here along the lines of commodity trade negotiations under GATT. Another critical hold-back is the lack of reliable data. Unlike commodities, services have no border restrictions like tariffs, but are constrained by internal regulation that can be complex. For example, trade in infotech services is hampered not only by visa systems (as in the US), but also by other regulatory constraints like data adequacy rules, FDI norms and totalization agreements (to avoid double taxation via social security payments). Nor are these regulatory constraints the same across countries. Also Read: Ajit Ranade: India must diversify its exports of manufactured goods Under the WTO, there was an attempt to create a template for international comparison by clubbing services trade under four heads—or so-called 'modes.' Unfortunately, the 'positive list' approach has meant that GATS has been a non-starter. To cut a long story short, as services trade has increased globally by leaps and bounds, countries are increasingly grappling with the issue of codifying trade in services. As the above discussion indicates, the process will have to begin by recognizing the comparability of services across countries. For example, in educational services, we would need mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) to define comparability of degrees. This is easier said than done. In India, education is on the concurrent list for the Centre and states to legislate on, and regional regulations would also have to be considered. An effort to achieve a degree of international comparability has started with the WTO's classification of services into 12 main sectors and 160 sub-sectors. This was mainly done to allow member countries to categorize their services into four 'modes' under the GATS. However, since these multilateral negotiations have ground to a halt, it is now for countries to take this forward under various free trade agreements (FTAs). The difficulty lies in establishing a single measure (like tariffs in the case of commodities) that could establish restrictiveness of services across countries after MRAs are signed. Also Read: Special trade ties with America aren't India's only export game This is particularly important for India, whose global strength seems to lie in trade in services. Yet, due to all the difficulties listed above for codifying trade in services, India's experience has been unsatisfactory. In 2005, such an attempt was made in the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, but there was little progress as the issue of MRAs moved nowhere either in banking or in education. Similarly, in the case of India's trade relations with Asean, it was agreed in 2005 that an agreement on trade in services would follow the deal struck on goods, but so far no discussions have been held with Asean countries on this. Also Read: Will the WTO get crushed under an avalanche of bilateral trade deals? As mentioned earlier, the issue is how to generate a single number to define restrictiveness in services that can form a benchmark for further negotiations on trade in services. There have some attempts by both the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and World Bank to create a Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI), but as shown in 'Quantification of Services Trade Restrictions: Some New Results' (Pant and Sugandha, March 2022) published in the Economic and Political Weekly, these indices have serious statistical shortfalls that can lead to a complete reversal of sectoral rankings by trade restrictiveness. Yet, this STRI approach seems to offer a way forward for India to hold talks on market access for services. It could feature in talks underway with the US and EU. The STRI can help begin negotiations on broad sectoral lines before proceeding to granular talks on specific regulatory issues. So far, India has focused on Mode 4 (the movement of natural persons) to enhance trade in services. This effort, however, has largely been a failure. As I have argued before, such a narrow approach seems like too weak an attempt at exploiting India's comparative advantage in services. We need a better researched approach. The author is visiting professor, Shiv Nadar University.
Focus Malaysia
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
'Short-sighted and ineffective: Vape bans are not the answer'
WE ARE witnessing a growing wave of state-led attempts to ban vape products with Opposition-led Perlis, Terengganu, and Kedah having announced prohibition of sales between August and December 2025 while Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan are reportedly considering a similar move. Publicly, political leaders and MPs are now echoing calls for a nationwide ban, citing concerns over drug-laced vape products and growing concern over youth vaping. Let us be clear: these concerns are real but the proposed solutions are dangerously flawed. The reason we are seeing issues like underage use and contaminated products is not because of the legal vape industry. It is because irresponsible, illegal retailers and criminal syndicates continue to operate without fear of consequences. These bad actors have no regard for regulations, age restrictions or product safety. They are the ones supplying unregistered products, selling to minors and introducing dangerous substances into the supply chain. Banning vape will not stop these criminals. It will only penalise legitimate and regulated businesses while empowering the black market. Flourishing black market As it is, political leaders who advocate vape ban are reacting to the harm caused by illegal and unregulated players. But instead of focusing their efforts on enforcement to eliminate these elements, they propose a blanket ban that would wipe out responsible retailers, many of whom are registered and oin compliance with all current regulations. If we take the easy way out and ban vape outright, we risk creating an entirely unregulated underground market. Everything will be black market. No age checks, no quality control, no accountability. This is the worst possible outcome for public health. We must remember that the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) has now been introduced. This is the very tool meant to bring vape into a regulated space, to ensure product safety, protect youth and allow only legal players to operate. Why are we not focusing our energy on implementing this law effectively with robust enforcement to weed out the bad actors? Irresponsible to ban vape According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Malaysia 2023 survey by the Institute for Public Health under the Health Ministry (MOH), the majority of vape users are aged 15 to 24 years-old. But these numbers did not emerge under a regulated environment. They grew due the absence of a clear regulatory framework. This proves that prohibition does not work. What works is regulations, oversight and the political will to enforce the law. In this regard, MRECA (the Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association) fully supports regulations. We support clear rules that keep products out of the hands of minors and ensure safety for adult consumers. But we cannot support a system where the actions of criminal syndicates are used to justify blanket bans that harm legitimate businesses. With Act 852 already in place, the focus must be on moving forward: implementing it with urgency, investing in enforcement and strengthening the regulatory framework so that only responsible, compliant players remain in the market. Banning regulated products is not a solution but an abdication of responsibility that hands the market over to criminals. If we want to protect public health and consumer safety, we must stay the course, enforce the law decisively and commit to building a legal, transparent vape industry that operates within clear and accountable boundaries. – June 10, 2025 Datuk Adzwan Abdul Manas is the Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) president. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Sinar Daily
09-06-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Breaking free: Guide to kicking the unhealthy habit
Cigarette smoking has long been a deeply ingrained habit in Malaysia, often associated with social settings such as coffee shops and roadside eateries. Despite the presence of 'No Smoking' signs in certain areas, compliance had historically been inconsistent. However, in recent years, the landscape has shifted following the implementation of stricter tobacco control laws. While the prevalence of traditional cigarette use has shown a decline, the emergence and increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapes present a new public health concern. Why is it time to quit smoking for good? Smoking poses a significant threat to both public health and the economy. In Malaysia, approximately 20,000 deaths annually are attributed to smoking-related illnesses. Tobacco use harms nearly every organ in the body and is a major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also contributes to coronary heart disease, stroke, and numerous other cancers and chronic health conditions. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also harmful at any level, as it increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses. Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoke, consists of the smoke exhaled by smokers and the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette. Children and other vulnerable groups are especially affected, with exposure linked to respiratory infections, ear infections, asthma attacks, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition to its health consequences, smoking imposes a heavy financial burden on the nation. A significant portion of the national gross domestic product is allocated to healthcare expenses for treating diseases related to smoking. This situation highlights the need for coordinated efforts aimed at preventing smoking initiation, particularly among the younger population, and providing effective support for individuals who wish to quit smoking. The benefits of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) Whether in the form of traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes, smoking products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance that reinforces the habit and makes quitting especially difficult. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2023, 59.7 per cent of smokers in Malaysia have expressed a desire to quit smoking. However, many face challenges such as nicotine dependence and limited access to support services. Therefore, it is crucial to increase public awareness about the treatment options and support systems that are available to help individuals overcome addiction and successfully quit smoking. Nicotine is the key addictive component in smoking products; meanwhile, the other toxic substances found in traditional cigarettes are responsible for the health issues and deaths linked to smoking. Nicotine works by stimulating receptors in the brain, which triggers the release of dopamine hormone. Photo for illustration purposes only. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is an effective treatment designed to assist individuals in quitting smoking by providing controlled amounts of nicotine without exposing the body to the harmful substances present in cigarettes. This helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, gradually decreasing physical dependence on cigarettes. Over time, the dosage of NRT is reduced, allowing the body to adjust and ultimately quit nicotine use entirely. There is strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of NRT in helping individuals quit smoking, and it is widely recommended by clinical guidelines as a first-line treatment for those seeking pharmacological support. The Health Ministry (MOH) reclassified NRT products, such as gum and patches, from the 'Group C poison' category under the First Schedule of the Poisons Act 1952 to the non-poison group. These changes have made these products more accessible, allowing for widespread over-the-counter sales in pharmacies across Malaysia. The appropriate ways to use NRT products Each NRT product should be used with specific instructions to maximize its effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. Nicotine gum Nicotine gum is designed to release nicotine gradually while being chewed, helping to manage cravings effectively. Nicotine gum should be used for up to 12 weeks, with a maximum of 24 pieces per day. Nicotine gum should be chewed slowly until a peppery or mint taste or tingling sensation is felt. The gum should then be held between the cheek and gum until the tingling sensation fades. This chew-park cycle should be repeated for up to 30 minutes. To ensure proper absorption of nicotine, it is advisable to avoid eating or drinking anything except plain water for 15 minutes before and during the use of the gum. Common side effects of nicotine gum may include mouth soreness, hiccups, dyspepsia, and jaw aches which are usually mild and temporary. Nicotine patches Nicotine patches are transdermal devices designed to release nicotine steadily throughout the day, helping individuals manage cravings and reduce dependence. Nicotine patches should be applied once daily to clean, dry, and non-hairy skin, such as the upper arm, hip, back, or chest. The patch should be pressed firmly for approximately 10 seconds to ensure proper adhesion. To prevent skin irritation, it is advisable to rotate the application sites with each new patch and avoid applying the patches on the same spot. Nicotine mouth sprays Nicotine mouth sprays deliver nicotine directly to the mouth lining for quick relief of cravings, making them a fast-acting option for those looking to curb their nicotine urges. When cravings emerge or when an individual would typically smoke, one or two sprays should be used. The maximum recommended usage is four sprays per hour to avoid excessive nicotine intake. Nicotine lozenges Nicotine lozenges are available in two strengths, with 2 mg for smokers who consume fewer than 20 cigarettes per day, and 4 mg for those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes daily. The maximum duration for using nicotine lozenges is 24 weeks. It is important not to chew or swallow the lozenge, and one should also refrain from eating or drinking while it is in the mouth to ensure proper absorption. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and oral discomfort. Advice for smokers before using NRT products Before starting any nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), it is highly recommended to consult healthcare professionals, such as doctors or pharmacists. They can help to assess the suitability of NRT by identifying any allergies or health conditions that may interfere with its use. They will also guide smokers in selecting the most appropriate form of NRT (patches, gum, sprays, or lozenges) and the correct dosage based on their smoking habits and lifestyle. In many cases, combining long-acting NRT (like patches) with short-acting options (such as gum or sprays) can be more effective in managing cravings. Healthcare professionals such as doctors and pharmacists can provide detailed instructions on the proper use of the chosen NRT product to ensure maximum effectiveness. They will monitor progress through regular follow-ups, help manage any side effects, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. These will subsequently increase the chances of long-term success. Individuals who wish to quit smoking are also encouraged to seek help from the Smoking Cessation Services available at most MOH healthcare facilities. In addition, similar support is provided through the mQuit programme, which is offered by selected private healthcare facilities. In conclusion, quitting smoking is a challenging but achievable goal. With the right support and treatment, individuals can break free from nicotine addiction. The combination of effective NRT, guidance from healthcare professionals, and a commitment to making lasting lifestyle changes can significantly improve the chances of success. If there are any inquiries regarding medicines, please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free number 1-800-88-6722 during weekdays from 8am to 5pm, except on public holidays. Jolene Tay Luen Ling is a pharmacist. The views expressed in this article are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.
India Today
31-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Not just lungs, tobacco silently damages the heart years before symptoms appear
Tobacco consumption, in any form, remains a significant cause of cardiovascular issues, silently weakening heart health long before visible stealthy effects of tobacco and its constituents trigger a series of changes within the cardiovascular system, laying the foundation for life-threatening conditions like a heart attack or stroke, years before any clinical signs become has one of the highest rates of smokeless tobacco use in the world. Unlike smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus, are not burned. Instead, they are used orally or nasally, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth or According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016-17, 21.4% of Indian adults use smokeless tobacco, compared to 10.38% who use smoking tobacco. This indicates that nearly one in five adults in India consumes some form of smokeless tobacco, as highlighted by the National Health FIRST TARGETOne of the first targets of tobacco's harmful effects is the endothelium, a thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels. Chemicals mainly in cigarette smoke, like carbon monoxide, nicotine, and reactive oxygen species, affect the endothelium, reducing its ability to produce nitric oxide, which is essential for vessel relaxation and quality blood issue, called endothelial dysfunction, is one of the earliest changes in smokers that is detectable. Second-hand exposure to smoke can also contribute to the narrowing of arteries and set the stage for further vascular AND OXIDATIVE STRESSA chronic inflammatory response in the body is triggered by tobacco smoke. The oxidative chemicals in smoke affect the expression of adhesion molecules on the walls of vessels, which causes the sticking of platelets and WBCs to the endothelium. One of the first targets of tobacco's harmful effects is the endothelium, a thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels. () This not only promotes inflammation but also accelerates the uptake of Oxidised LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol by immune cells, transforming them into foam cells- a sign of the formation of early atherosclerotic time, these plaques increase and stiffen the arteries, silently increasing the chances of a heart attack and HIDDEN THREATThe delicate balance of the blood clotting system is also disrupted by smoking. It increases the concentration of fibrinogen, a type of protein involved in the formation of clots, and alters the platelet function, making blood thicker and stickier, and more likely to changes create a prothrombotic state, where clots form more easily and start blocking narrowed arteries, often with catastrophic consequences. The most concerning part here is that these alterations occur well before any symptoms of chest pain or breathlessness LIPID CHANGESTobacco chemicals, like nicotine, cause blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and heart rate. Tobacco chemicals, like nicotine, cause blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and heart rate. () At the same time, the use of tobacco raises triglyceride levels and lowers HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and both of these contribute to the buildup of arterial alterations increase the workload of the heart very quietly in the SILENT PROGRESSIONCardiovascular damage done by tobacco is more alarming because of its stealth. Sometimes, years can pass before any sign emerges in the form of a heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac the time it is diagnosed, the damage is often awfully advanced or may be irreversible. However, studies have shown that quitting tobacco can somewhat halt or even reverse some of these changes, significantly reducing the risk of any fatal outcome.(Disclaimer: This is an authored article. The views and opinions expressed by the doctors are their independent professional judgement, and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views.)Must Watch
