Read articles from Asia

October 01, 2025 by qazinform.com

The World Health Organization supports Kazakhstan's ban on shisha smoking in public places due to health risks. Shisha smoke contains harmful substances and poses dangers to users and passive smokers. The misconception that shisha is safer than cigarettes is refuted by evidence showing its links to cancer and other diseases. WHO recommends upholding the ban to protect public health, especially with the popularity of shisha among the youth. Despite economic claims, tobacco-related diseases outweigh short-term gains. Media and civil society are crucial in raising awareness, and WHO provides scientific guidance on waterpipe smoking's health effects. Kazakhstan's tobacco control efforts align with WHO standards, emphasizing public health over commercial interests.

September 25, 2025 by asianews.network

The Finance Minister of Indonesia announced strict measures against illegal cigarette sales impacting state revenue, targeting smugglers and sellers. Random checks will target travelers, e-commerce platforms, and suppliers. Customs and excise authorities are monitoring tobacco products to prevent underpriced sales. Raids in several regions have seized millions of illegal cigarettes. With excise rates at 57%, efforts aim to address the issue of illegal cigarettes. Minimizing excise losses and deterring the illicit cigarette trade are top priorities for the government.

September 23, 2025 by thenationalnews.com

Almost 40% of university students in the UAE use vapes, the highest among Arab countries studied. Factors like availability, various flavors, and online promotion contribute to the popularity. While vaping is seen as less harmful than smoking tobacco, health risks remain. Doctors recommend stricter controls on access to these products. In the UAE, 23% of students had vaped in the past month, indicating a growing trend. Flavors attract many users, but doctors suggest vapes for smokers aiming to quit. Concerns arise over the high prevalence among young adults. UAE authorities are urged to adapt regulations as the nicotine market evolves rapidly.

September 16, 2025 by newsbytesapp.com

Tobacco is a major health issue in India, causing 1.35 million deaths annually. Treating tobacco-related diseases costs over ₹1.77 lakh crore each year. Only 7% of smokers quit without assistance. Healthcare experts recommend smoke-free nicotine alternatives to reduce harm, with studies showing they are significantly safer than cigarettes. Nicotine pouches, now available in 34 countries, including India, could help smokers switch from cigarettes. Public Health England states these alternatives are up to 95% less harmful than smoking. Dr. Soni from AIIMS-CAPFIMS suggests regulating these products to aid smokers in transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

September 15, 2025 by scmp.com

Hong Kong passed a contentious tobacco control bill to decrease smoking rates. Concerns were raised about tourism and illicit cigarette trade impact. The bill includes measures like banning alternative smoking products in public by April 2026 and flavored cigarettes by 2027. Penalties for possessing illicit cigarettes have increased, and smoking is prohibited at transport boarding points and certain public areas. E-cigarettes' use in public will be banned, with fines for possessing e-liquids. The bill's effects on smokers are analyzed in comparison to neighboring regions.

September 15, 2025 by straitstimes.com

Over 15,000 vapes and components were seized at land crossings in June and July. Johor authorities warn Malaysians against smuggling vapes into Singapore due to strict laws in both countries. Syndicates use social media to sell vapes and entice locals, especially youth, with large sums of money. The Johor government supports a nationwide vape ban to empower enforcement agencies. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad plans to present a Cabinet Memorandum on the ban by year-end. Recent seizures include 7,400 vape products at Woodlands Checkpoint and 7,680 vape pods at the Second Link crossing. Authorities urge vigilance and highlight the serious consequences of breaking the law in Singapore.

September 12, 2025 by inquirer.net

International experts, including from the Philippines, are urging delegates to the WHO tobacco control meeting in November 2025 to back harm reduction. In a joint statement, they called on the WHO FCTC to fully integrate harm reduction into tobacco control, stressing that “combustion kills, not nicotine.” The appeal was made during a September 3 briefing in Makati City, organized by the Consumer Choice Center.

September 08, 2025 by thesun.my

The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association criticizes the Health Parliament Special Select Committee's biased report recommending a complete e-cigarette ban without input from stakeholders. MRECA stresses the importance of consulting industry members, including manufacturers and consumers, before making allegations. They advocate for transparent regulations based on evidence and call for fair consultation processes to prevent biased recommendations. MRECA emphasizes the need for comprehensive reviews based on factual data to avoid unjustly targeting the vape industry. Adzwan Ab Manas urges inclusive decision-making to maintain credibility and ensure industry involvement in public health solutions.

September 02, 2025 by arabianbusiness.com

Nicotine pouches, recently legalized in the UAE, offer a "smoke-free" alternative but still pose addiction risks, cautioned by experts. The Ministry of Industry authorized their sale under strict regulations to reduce health risks. Although pouches decrease respiratory issues linked to smoking, they can impact cardiovascular health. While helpful in transitioning from cigarettes, doctors advise they are not a complete solution and stress the importance of proper usage and monitoring. Concerns include potential appeal to youth and lack of long-term safety studies. Regulations aim to ensure quality and safety, emphasizing the need for structured quitting plans. The effectiveness of nicotine pouches in reducing smoking prevalence in the UAE remains to be seen.

August 25, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com

PSM criticizes the Malaysian government's plan to ban vaping, calling it an overreach in personal habits. The chairman stresses that while vaping is harmful, criminalizing it is not the solution and suggests regulating it instead. He warns that prohibition can lead to a black market and hinder health monitoring. Comparisons are made to bans on alcohol and other unhealthy habits. The former MP advises against coercive legislation and warns of potential negative societal impacts akin to Orwell's "1984." Despite state actions, the government delays a nationwide ban to avoid legal repercussions from the vape industry.