Latest news with #NVSubbarow
The Star
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Stalwart's call to defend future generations
PETALING JAYA: The fight against tobacco is not just about eliminating a habit; it's about safeguarding our future generations, says NV Subbarow (pic), a stalwart of Malaysia's anti-smoking movement. As an education officer with the Consumers Association of Penang, Subbarow has spent nearly 35 years championing tobacco control, recently earning the prestigious Tobacco Control Icon Award from the Health Ministry during the 2025 National Tobacco Control Conference and the national-level World No Tobacco Day celebration. His work, which involves conducting lectures, interactive sessions, and discussions with students to highlight the dangers of smoking and vaping, has had a tangible impact that has seen many young Malaysians abandon these harmful habits. Subbarow's journey began with a focus on traditional cigarettes, but as the landscape of tobacco use evolved, so did his strategies. 'When I started, it was just cigarettes. Now, the rise of disposable vapes presents a new challenge. 'These devices, often marketed in enticing flavours and easily accessible, have become a simple and inexpensive alternative for many, particularly the youth,' he said, adding that his interactions revealed a concerning trend. 'Children as young as eight or nine have been experimenting with vapes left unattended by family members. 'It's shocking when children say they were encouraged to try these gadgets under the guise of fruit flavours,' he said, highlighting a disturbing trend of rural vapers mixing substances like drugs and stimulants with the vaporiser's liquid. To achieve both educational and cautionary results, Subbarow said he uses vivid imagery of nicotine's effects and the dangers of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali) to drive home the risks. 'Seeing these images often frightens students into quitting immediately,' he said, adding that the fear of having erectile dysfunction also works among older male students. As Subbarow looks to the future, his resolve is unshaken. Subbarow draws inspiration from figures such as the late SM Mohd Idris, the former president of CAP, and Dr Mary Assunta, an internationally renowned tobacco control researcher, whose legacies fuel his unwavering determination. 'Winning the award doesn't stop my campaign. I've got five more school programmes lined up after the holidays. 'I won't give up until Malaysia is smoke-free,' he said, adding that 20 students are currently seeking his guidance to quit vaping. So far, he has reached about 30,000 individuals, including students, undergraduates, and youths from various backgrounds. Teachers and parents have called him to convey their gratitude, sharing stories of how their children have abandoned the smoking culture. Subbarow also called for stronger policies, including the Generational Endgame Bill aimed at a tobacco-free society by 2040. 'Without action, the vape culture will lead to more drug addicts in our country. 'The Malaysian government cannot wait further to implement a total ban on smoking and vaping products, whether they come with flavours or otherwise. 'State governments that delay action are sitting on a ticking time bomb, creating a critical issue,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
07-06-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Follow UK in banning disposable vapes, say consumer group, health expert
Experts say disposable vapes are designed to appeal to young people but pose hidden health and environmental dangers. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : A consumer advocacy group and a public health expert have urged the government to emulate the UK's total ban on disposable vapes, citing escalating health risks and environmental threats. Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow said these vape devices pose dual dangers: serious health impacts and environmental pollution worse than single-use plastics. He said the products are especially popular among children due to their small size, colourful packaging, and flavoured options. 'They're easy to hide, cheap, and when thrown away, leak toxic substances like cobalt and copper into the environment. They've even caused fires in bin lorries,' he told FMT. Subbarow also called for stricter enforcement to block online sales via platforms like Shopee and TikTok, which he said were fuelling access among minors. Universiti Malaya family health expert Dr Siti Idayu Hasan also proposed a ban, warning that the risks of disposable vapes are being dangerously underestimated, especially by the young. She said these devices emit fine and ultrafine particles laced with nicotine and heavy metals, polluting indoor air and increasing the risk of respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease and addiction. 'People often assume vaping is safer, but emerging evidence shows that even short-term exposure to e-cigarette aerosols can damage blood vessels and impair lung function,' she said. Siti, who has worked on tobacco control policies aligned with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), said a total ban would send a strong public health message and help stem the surge in youth vaping. The National Poison Centre reported a spike in vape-related poisoning cases, revealing that 81% of incidents since 2022 involved so-called 'magic mushroom' vapes. Most victims were teenagers and young adults, with 41% aged 15 to 19 and 53% in their early 20s. The centre said these vapes often did not contain actual psilocybin but were laced with synthetic cannabinoids capable of inducing hallucinations, seizures, vomiting, and erratic behaviour, even after just one or two puffs. It described the trend as a 'hidden but dangerous drug epidemic' and also called for a blanket ban on vape sales. The UK, in a move welcomed by public health advocates, began enforcing a nationwide ban on disposable vapes on June 1 under its 'Plan for Change' strategy. Under the new law, all shops, including corner stores and supermarkets, are barred from selling single-use vapes. Offenders face an immediate £200 (RM1,150) fine, with repeated breaches risking unlimited fines or jail time.
Free Malaysia Today
31-05-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Anti-smoking veteran Subbarow honoured as tobacco control icon
Anti-smoking advocate NV Subbarow being congratulated by health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad at the national tobacco control conference in Cyberjaya today. (Facebook pic) GEORGE TOWN : Veteran anti-smoking advocate NV Subbarow has been honoured as a tobacco control icon for his efforts over three decades to educate the public on the dangers of smoking and substance abuse. The award was presented today by health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad at the World No Tobacco Day celebration in Cyberjaya. Subbarow, who is the education officer of the Consumers' Association of Penang, said the award provided him with renewed motivation to raise awareness, especially among young people, about the dangers of tobacco, vaping, and the use of shisha and drugs such as cannabis. He said his efforts had reached more than 25,000 schoolchildren at primary and secondary levels across the country. 'Some students have come back to tell me they stopped smoking after attending my sessions and that, to me, is a proud achievement,' he said. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader urged the government to impose a full ban on smoking and vaping products, citing serious public health risks and the potential for increased drug dependence. 'These products pose a serious threat and are far too accessible, especially online. With just one click, users can falsely declare they are over 18,' he said.
