IN recent years, vaping has surged in popularity across our country and the world, touted by some as a “safer” alternative to smoking.
But beneath the cloud of fruity-scented vapour lies a growing public health crisis – one that is targeting our youth, addicting a new generation to nicotine, and burdening society with long-term health consequences we are only beginning to understand. It is time we act decisively.
The Youth Vaping Epidemic
Walk past any schools, colleges and universities in our cities and you’re likely to catch a whiff of bubblegum or mango – flavours not of sweets, but of e-cigarettes.
Studies and anecdotal evidence alike point to a disturbing trend: vaping is becoming normalised among teenagers, many of whom have never touched a traditional cigarette.
According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the number of teenage vapers more than doubled in just a few years. This is not a coincidence; it’s the result of aggressive marketing, sleek product designs and enticing flavours that deliberately appeal to young people.
Nicotine is highly addictive, especially to adolescent brains. Regular use can impair attention, memory and impulse control. Even more troubling, early exposure to nicotine increases the likelihood of later addiction to tobacco or other substances. We are effectively setting up our children for a lifetime of dependency under the illusion of a harmless habit.
Vaping Is Not Safe
One of the main arguments against banning vapes is that they are “less harmful” than traditional cigarettes. While this may be partially true in a strictly comparative sense, “less harmful” does not mean “safe”.
Vaping still exposes users to harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and ultra-fine particles that lodge in the lungs. Moreover, the long-term health impacts of inhaling vaporised chemicals remain largely unknown, as vaping is still a relatively new phenomenon.
The outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury) in the United States in 2019 is a grim warning. Hundreds were hospitalised and over 60 people died.
Though some cases were linked to illicit products, the message is clear: vaping carries real risks. And where regulation is weak – as it still is in many parts of Malaysia – the danger is even greater.
A Public Health Time Bomb
We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. For decades, the tobacco industry denied the dangers of cigarettes, even as millions suffered and died from smoking-related illnesses. It took generations of policy intervention to reverse that damage.
With vapes, we have a window of opportunity to prevent another wave of addiction and disease – if we act now.
The economic argument is often used to justify keeping vapes legal. Yet, any short-term gains from vape sales are likely to be eclipsed by future healthcare costs.
Treating chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions and addiction-related issues will strain our already burdened health system. Prevention is not only more humane – it’s more cost-effective.
Environmental and Social Costs
Beyond personal health, vapes pose environmental risks. The disposable models popular among youth generate tons of plastic and electronic waste, much of which is not recycled. These single-use devices contain batteries and heavy metals that leach into the soil and water, harming ecosystems.
Socially, vaping normalises the act of inhaling addictive substances in public. It creates a false image of glamour and modernity while masking dependency. This is especially problematic in a nation like Malaysia, which has worked hard to reduce smoking rates and promote healthier lifestyles.
Regulation Is Not Enough
Some argue that rather than banning vapes, we should regulate them – impose age restrictions, tax them, or ban flavoured products.
But the reality is that enforcement is weak, especially when it comes to online sales and underground markets. Teenagers can still easily obtain vapes, often without age checks. Even in countries with strict laws, such as Australia, illegal vape markets thrive.
In theory, regulation sounds pragmatic. In practice, it has proven insufficient to protect the most vulnerable. A full ban – backed by clear legislation, strong enforcement and public education – is a more effective and morally responsible solution.
A Matter of National Will
Malaysia has shown bold leadership in public health before. Our efforts to reduce smoking, control sugary drinks, and raise awareness about non-communicable diseases are commendable.
But when it comes to vaping, we are falling behind. While some states have taken action, the federal response remains fragmented and reactive.
We must take a unified, national stand. Ban the import, sale, and possession of vapes – especially those containing nicotine. Shut down illegal sellers, both online and offline. Launch comprehensive campaigns in schools and communities to educate about the dangers of vaping. And provide support for those who want to quit.
Conclusion: Protect the Future
Public health policies are about more than statistics – they are about protecting lives. If we fail to act now, we will be complicit in allowing a new addiction crisis to unfold. The evidence is mounting, the risks are real, and the victims are getting younger. We owe it to the next generation to take a stand.
Vaping is not a harmless trend. It is a threat to our children, our healthcare system and our national well-being. Let us not wait for more studies, more hospitalisations or more deaths to confirm what we already know.
As someone who has never smoked in my life, I’ve always walked away whenever I encountered cigarette smoke.
Today, I feel the same urge – only now, it’s not just about personal discomfort. It’s about protecting others, especially our youth, from a habit that’s far more dangerous than it seems.
Shall vapes be banned? And let us breathe easier, knowing we did the right thing.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drjohnlau@gmail.com.
