KOTA KINABALU: Health authorities in Sabah have been told to keep an eye out for the sale of "Tiger Pod" vape devices to students following concerns raised in Peninsular Malaysia over the sale of these items outside a school recently.
Designed to look like toys, these devices could attract children and teens, says Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin(pic).
She said the first instruction given to her officials at the district level was to monitor and find out if any of these things were being sold.
"So far, monitoring by district health office staff in Tawau and Sandakan found no selling of Tiger Pods in the two districts.
"We have alerted all districts to monitor if there are any sales of this item anywhere," said Dr Rose when contacted Friday (Jan 27).
She urged parents to also monitor their children, and be aware of what their children do or buy.
She said vaping or smoking posed health hazards to adults and children alike.
"Therefore, it is important that the government amends the law on smoking, just like what the former health minister mooted," Dr Rose said.
Khairy Jamaluddin had proposed the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022, or the generational end game (GEG) anti-smoking bill.
The Bill seeks to prohibit the sale and use of any form of smoking material, including electronic cigarettes or vape products, to individuals born on Jan 1, 2007, onwards.
Several days ago, the Health Ministry expressed regret over the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products in front of a school that went viral.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the ministry received information regarding the promotional, advertising and sales activity of e-cigarettes or vape products resembling toys or "Tiger Pod" which has become widespread.
She said the matter was very worrisome for both parents and teachers as the products were created and designed in such a way that attracts the attention of children and teenagers to try and use them.
