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March 26, 2024 by vietnamplus.vn

Thai Academics are warning about a new type of e-cigarette called "toy pods" which look like replicas of popular cartoon characters to target school and university students. Srirach Lapyai, a project manager at Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Centre (TRC), said e-cigarette businesses have adjusted the appearance of their products to look more like figurines of famous cartoon characters or cute miniatures of toys, food, stationery items, and so forth.

March 19, 2024 by filtermag.org

Vapes have taken JK on a remarkable journey. From smoking multiple packs of cigarettes a day, he switched suddenly and entirely. He helped pioneer India’s first organized vapers group. In reaction to the country’s prohibitionist stance, he became a licensed online vendor, then an e-liquid connoisseur. And amid the country’s ban on sales and possession of vapes, he continues to preach their harm reduction efficacy with evangelical zeal.

March 18, 2024 by freemalaysiatoday.com

The Consumer Choice Centre (CCC) has shot down former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s suggestion for the government to restrict sales of vape and e-cigarettes to specialty stores. Its Malaysian associate, Tarmizi Anuwar, said this would put those in rural or semi-urban areas at a disadvantage when it comes to accessibility. “Introducing a licensing system exclusively for vape shops could inadvertently push consumers towards unregulated channels, undermining public health objectives,” he said in a statement.

March 14, 2024 by thesun.my

The Ministry of Health (KKM) found an increasing trend in vaping or the use of electronic cigarettes, including among women, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said this was the outcome of a comprehensive study being carried out by the ministry, with the study also providing prevalence data on vaping. He said the prevalence data showed there has been an increase in the prevalence of vaping, and among women. “For the 2017 data, the prevalence was 2.8 (per cent) and in 2022, the prevalence showed an increase of 6.2 per cent,“ he said during the question and answer session.

March 12, 2024 by galencentre.org

Health Minister Dr. Dzul is seeking Cabinet approval for regulations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. The Act, already gazetted, will be enforced alongside the regulations. The Ministry of Health has prepared drafts currently under legal review. Stakeholder engagement sessions have been conducted to discuss various aspects, including proposed restrictions on vape and e-cigarettes. Previous suggestions include plain packaging for tobacco products and restricting vape sales. Former ministers have emphasized the importance of regulating ingredients and nicotine content.

March 06, 2024 by mb.com.ph

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa sought on Wednesday, March 6, the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that minors will have no access to e-cigarettes amid cases of young Filipinos suffering from lung injuries. Herbosa said he specifically asked PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. to ensure that the specific provision of the Republic Act 11900 relating to the prohibition to sell vapes to people below 18 years old is strictly implemented.

February 29, 2024 by bnnbreaking.com

India's PECA 2019 legislation bans e-cigarettes comprehensively, addressing addiction and health risks, setting a standard for global action. 'Mothers Against Vaping' supports the ban, emphasizing public health and demand reduction. The law aims to eliminate e-cigarettes from the supply chain to protect citizens. While some advocate for vaping in smoking cessation, the group highlights risks to youth and calls for a balanced approach. India's ban exemplifies prioritizing public health over immediate gains, offering a model for other nations.

February 27, 2024 by theedgemalaysia.com

The incidence of illicit cigarettes in Malaysia decreased to 55.6% in 2023, the lowest since 2020. Strict enforcement actions by authorities led to this decline, but illicit market share remains high, causing an annual tax loss of RM5 billion. JTI Malaysia suggests predictable taxation to deter consumers from illegal cigarettes. Fake tax stamps incidence tripled since 2016, reaching 8.7% of the market in 2023. While legal cigarette industry volume stagnated, there was a shift to vaping products, making Malaysia the 12th largest e-vape market. However, vaping products lack regulation, allowing unsafe marketing and ingredients.

February 26, 2024 by thesun.my

Consumers Association of Penang calls for the reinstatement of nicotine under the Poisons Act due to the increasing vaping trend among Malaysian youth. CAP criticizes the ineffectiveness of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 and highlights the easy accessibility of vape products to school children. They attribute the rise in underage vaping to loopholes in the law and stress the harmful effects of nicotine. Additionally, CAP advocates for the enforcement of smoking zones and adherence to international standards for smoke-free environments to protect non-smokers' health.

February 22, 2024 by business-standard.com

The Karnataka government recently passed the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Bill, 2024, increasing the age limit for purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 years. The bill also prohibits the sale of cigarettes to those under 21 and restricts sales near schools. Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasized the new regulations, mentioning fines for violations. Furthermore, hookah bars were banned in all establishments, with penalties of imprisonment and substantial fines for unauthorized operations.