Read articles from Asia
December 19, 2023 by straitstimes.com
Singapore will boost enforcement and education efforts to curb vaping
The authorities will be stepping up enforcement and education efforts against vaping to prevent it from having a foothold in Singapore. This comes as users continue to buy e-vaporisers or vapes online, or when they go overseas, despite the ban on these products, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a joint statement on Dec 19. Those who possess, use or buy e-vaporisers may be fined up to $2,000.
December 19, 2023 by channelnewsasia.com
Singapore to step up enforcement against vapes at Changi Airport and other checkpoints
As part of a multi-agency effort to clamp down on vaping, Singapore authorities will step up checks at air, land and sea checkpoints in the coming months, starting with Changi Airport. "Incoming passengers may be screened for e-vaporisers and their components at the arrival halls, and those found with e-vaporisers or their components will be fined," said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a media release on Tuesday (Dec 19). Passengers carrying e-vaporisers must pass through the Red Channel, which is for people with goods to declare, so that they can dispose of the prohibited items.
December 14, 2023 by freemalaysiatoday.com
30% of e-cigarette smokers in Malaysia aged 12 to 15, says group
About 30% of the e-cigarette smokers in Malaysia are aged between 12 and 15 years, according to a regional anti-tobacco organisation. The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (Seatca) said the e-cigarette use prevalence among this age group in Malaysia is higher than teen smoking prevalence, which is 12.5% (10.8% boys and 1.7% girls). In contrast, the alliance said, the other countries in Asean, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and Thailand, have banned these products along with about 40 other countries globally.
December 11, 2023 by qz.com
Lawmakers seek action against Elf Bar and other fruity e-cigarettes imported from China
House lawmakers are demanding information from federal officials on what they are doing to stop the recent influx of kid-appealing electronic cigarettes from China. Members of a new congressional committee on U.S.-China relations sent the request Thursday to Justice Department and Food and Drug Administration leaders, calling attention to “the extreme proliferation of illicit vaping products.”
December 07, 2023 by themalaysianreserve.com
Illegal to sell nicotine products to minors after anti-smoking Bill passed – SFC
The High Court [...] was told that with the passing of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 in Dewan Rakyat last week, vendors are now forbidden from selling smoking products including vape and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to minors. Senior federal counsel (SFC) Ahmad Hanir Hambaly said with the passing of the Bill on Nov 30, children under 18 now cannot smoke (nicotine-containing vape and e-cigarettes). “The sale and supply of poison including nicotine to children would be illegal as provided under Section 13 of the Bill.
December 06, 2023 by reuters.com
China e-cigarette titan behind 'Elf Bar' floods the U.S. with illegal vapes
A new breed of e-cigarette has addicted teenagers and confounded regulators worldwide by offering flavors like Blue Cotton Candy and Pink Lemonade in a cheap, disposable package. The tycoon dominating this latest wave is Zhang Shengwei, 50, a veteran of China’s vape industry in the southern manufacturing hub of Shenzhen. Most people have never heard of him. Zhang quietly rose over 15 years from a boutique exporter to become one of the world’s largest vape manufacturers. His main company, Heaven Gifts, now competes with industry giants Juul Labs Inc and British American Tobacco Plc (BATS.L) in the United States, the United Kingdom and across Europe.
December 05, 2023 by tribune.com.pk
E-cigarettes : New addiction of choice for youth
PESHAWAR: Vaping is the new cool, regardless of how injurious it might be to health, and teenagers and adults alike, in Peshawar, are hooked to the flavoured nicotine electronic devices. Traditionally referred to as e-cigarettes but now known by various names such as disposables, vapes, and tank systems, electronic nicotine delivery system have become a common sight in Khyber Pakthunkhwa’s capital; so much so that nearly every major shopping centre in the city has a dedicated vape store - much to the dismay of concerned parents.
November 29, 2023 by nst.com.my
Smoking control bill proposes ban on advertising, promotion of vape products
E-cigarettes or vape products can no longer be advertised, promoted or involved in sponsorship once the Control of Smoking Products For Public Health Bill 2023 comes into force. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the provisions banning the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, which were already in force under existing laws, are now expanded to all products including e-cigarettes, tobacco products, smoking substances and substitute tobacco products. She said that Articles 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the bill also require all importers and manufacturers of tobacco products to register each product produced for the Malaysian market.
November 29, 2023 by vietnamplus.vn
Laos to list electronic cigarettes among addictive substances
Laos plans to amend and supplement certain provisions of the law on drug prevention and control, with electronic cigarettes to be included in the list of substances and precursors classified as addictive. Speaking at the 9th Lao National Assembly’s 6th session, General Vilay Lakhamphong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, stressed that electronic cigarettes, one of the emerging issues of social concerns, are yet to be listed as prohibited substances. Therefore, in the near future, they will be added to the list of products containing banned addictive substances and precursors.
November 28, 2023 by tbsnews.net
Bangladesh made no progress in countering interference of tobacco industry: Study
The 'Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023' highlighted Bangladesh's scoring of 72, the poorest among its South Asian counterparts, emphasising the substantial industry influence, notably hindering the amendment process of tobacco control laws in the country. [...] experts expressed concerns over the industry's pervasive influence. They highlighted the paramount issue of the stalled amendment to the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act 2013, impeding the nation's strides toward tobacco control.