Read articles from Asia

February 27, 2025 by thestar.com.my

Toy pods, a new type of e-cigarettes designed to resemble cartoon characters, may pose health risks to children, warned Assistant Professor Srirat Lapyai from the Product Watch project on Feb 27. These e-cigarettes, available in Thailand since mid-2024, are accessible to primary school children, prompting concerns from parents. They come in various shapes, including toys, candy boxes, juice cartons, and keychains, and are available in flavors like strawberry, mango, and blueberry. Lapyai highlighted that the cartoon-like design is part of a harm reduction strategy, making e-cigarettes appear more appealing.

February 24, 2025 by thesun.my

Thailand's PM has ordered a crackdown on e-cigarettes due to widespread sales, with officials facing consequences if complicit. Over 3,000 items worth 2 million baht were seized in a recent raid in Bangkok. Concerns of corruption and negligence among law enforcement were raised, with shops openly operating, possibly with police involvement. The situation has escalated, with reports of illicit substances in e-cigarettes causing youth fatalities. A proposed task force, the Doraemon Task Force, aims to combat e-cigarettes designed to appeal to children and youth. Strict actions are urged to address the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people.

February 18, 2025 by manilastandard.net

Professor Reuven Zimlichman highlighted that nicotine, though addictive, is not carcinogenic or a cause of heart disease. He suggested smokers consider switching to heated tobacco or vape products for harm reduction, emphasizing the benefits for cardiovascular patients. Zimlichman’s perspective, shared at the Philippine Neurological Association convention, stresses that tobacco harm reduction strategies, like smoke-free alternatives, can save lives by reducing harmful chemical exposure. Recognizing the effectiveness of such approaches in countries like Sweden, he urges a shift towards innovative solutions to combat smoking-related diseases, advocating for open-mindedness from authorities and healthcare providers in adopting tobacco harm reduction practices.

February 17, 2025 by scmp.com

Hong Kong and mainland China are tackling smoking issues. Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarettes in public and flavoured tobacco by mid-2026 to reduce smoking rates. A call for a total ban on flavoured tobacco targets its appeal to youth and women. Bans aim to lower the city's smoking rate below 7.8% by 2026. Concerns arise over shisha bars facing closure due to the ban and fears of users turning to illegal venues. Suggestions include a transition period. Experts raise worries of youth and women drawn to flavoured products. Banning flavoured tobacco is proposed to curb smoking habits.

February 14, 2025 by themalaysianreserve.com

Starting March 1, South Korean airlines will ban passengers from storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead compartments, requiring them to be kept in seat or coat pockets with proper protection. This safety measure follows a recent fire incident on an Air Busan aircraft and aims to prevent battery-related fire risks.

February 13, 2025 by koreatimes.co.kr

Passengers flying on Korean-owned airlines are now required to store power banks in protective pouches or bags. Storing batteries and e-cigarettes in overhead bins is prohibited due to safety concerns following a cabin fire on an Air Busan aircraft. The government plans stricter regulations, limiting battery quantities per passenger and enhancing security checks. Airlines are implementing preemptive safety measures, with some already adopting stricter rules. Plastic bags will be provided for battery storage, and special approval is needed for carrying additional batteries.

February 13, 2025 by scmp.com

South Korea's transport ministry introduced new aviation safety measures after a fire on an Air Busan plane. Effective March 1, passengers are restricted to carrying five 100 watt-hours portable batteries, with those over 160 watt-hours banned. Security checks will verify battery types, and inflight battery charging is prohibited. Additionally, power banks and e-cigarettes are not allowed in overhead bins. The ministry aims to prevent battery fires, pending investigation into the Air Busan incident's cause.

February 10, 2025 by businesstimes.com.sg

Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarette cartridges in public by mid-2026 to combat vaping among youth. Despite a previous ban on e-cigarettes, vaping remains popular. The ban aims to reduce smoking rates and combat illegal drug use through e-cigarettes. Enforcement will start in public areas due to challenges indoors. The legislation, set for April, can result in jail time for importers and fines for sellers. The government also considers outlawing non-menthol cigarettes. The World Health Organization notes 35 countries have prohibited e-cigarette sales. Hong Kong's Secretary for Health emphasized the need for this ban to safeguard young people.

February 10, 2025 by gulfnews.com

Hong Kong plans to ban public use and possession of e-cigarette cartridges by mid-2026 to combat rising vaping rates fueled by illicit trade. The proposal, led by Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau, aims to protect youth and tackle emerging issues like illicit drug use through vaping. Starting with outdoor restrictions, the ban could extend citywide. The strict measures follow Hong Kong's 2022 ban on e-cigarette sales and signal a broader crackdown on tobacco and vaping culture. The government also eyes outlawing non-menthol cigarettes to cut smoking rates further. Offenders already face heavy penalties, including jail time and fines.

February 10, 2025 by timeout.com

Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarette possession and use in public by mid-2026, expanding a current ban on sales and importation enforced since April 2022. The government aims to combat recreational drug use facilitated by e-cigarettes, with penalties of up to $2 million fine and seven years in jail for importers. A crackdown on flavoured tobacco products, starting with non-menthol cigarettes favored by 40% of smokers, is also part of the bill. The proposal will first target outdoor areas before extending to indoor spaces.