KUALA LUMPUR: It costs up to RM150,892.11 to treat vaping related injuries for a patient who is warded for 12 days in hospital, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad warned that the cost of treating e-cigarette and vaping product use-associated lung injury (Evali) could significantly increase by 2030 if nothing is done.
“If no regulatory steps are taken towards the use of smokers or vape, the treatment cost is expected to spike up to RM368mil a year by 2030.
According to Dzulkefly, there have been 41 Evali cases reported from 2019 till Sept 30 this year.
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Dzulkefly said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 that was enforced beginning Oct 1 is aimed at ensuring stricter laws against the promotion, advertisement, sale and consumption of smoking products in public places.
“This Act will protect children and teenagers from being influenced into smoking and at the same time, reduce smoking-related risks and also treatment costs borne by the government.
“We also hope to spread awareness regarding the dangers of smoking and encourage positive changes in lifestyle and habits for a better public health,” added Dzulkefly.
