PETALING JAYA: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is urging Parliament to expedite the reintroduction of the Generational End Game (GEG) Bill in response to surveys indicating a doubling in the number of students using vapes and e-cigarettes. NV Subbarow, CAP’s senior education officer, stressed the importance of support for the bill and expressed shock at the delay by policymakers. Subbarow emphasized the need to prioritize the health and well-being of children, highlighting that 9.2 million Malaysians have already expressed their full support for the bill. He criticized policymakers and some MPs for playing political football with the bill while vape traders profit at the expense of youth.
Subbarow stated that the survey findings revealed a rapid increase in the number of school children vaping, both in primary and secondary schools. According to the latest CAP survey on vaping and e-cigarette use, the number of vape users in certain schools has risen from 50 to 150 students, and in another school, from 60 to 100 students. Discipline teachers in secondary schools confirmed the accuracy of these figures. Primary school teachers found that students addicted to vaping were unable to quit, as the schools lack the resources to assist them. Some schools conduct spot checks on suspected vaping and smoking students to monitor the issue.
Subbarow further explained that the ease of purchasing harmful vape products online contributes to the problem. CAP has received complaints from parents regarding their children ordering vape liquids online, often using their parents’ credit cards. The situation is spiraling out of control, even in rural areas where many schools are facing similar issues. Vaping and e-cigarette problems are gaining popularity due to aggressive promotion and advertising on social media platforms. These products are sold nearly everywhere and come in various appealing flavors and eye-catching designs that entice children.
Hence, Subbarow emphasized that CAP prioritizes health over the profits of a few individuals. The organization insists that the future generation should not be sacrificed and condemned to a life of addiction. Therefore, CAP once again urges the government to promptly bring the GEG Bill before Parliament.
