Dr Zulkifli (fifth left) with Dr Hii (sixth left), Dr Hasrina (left) and other guests during the state-level Malam Mesra Inovasi 2015.
KAPIT: State Health Department director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan has called on all health workers in the state to eradicate vaping, seeing that it is fast becoming a trend and penetrating every sector of society.
However, he has also acknowledged that there has been controversy in the government’s stand on whether to prohibit or allow the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
“Late last week, enforcement officers from the Health Ministry conducted checks on the vape fluid and confiscated them, ordering their removal from selves of the stores because it’s found to contain nicotine, which is poisonous and could cause cancer,” he said.
Nevertheless, Dr Zulkifli assured consumers that the government had to take action to protect public health.
“It’s become a culture among Malaysians and spreading to every corner of our society – adults, women and schoolchildren. To them, it is fashionable to vape.
“Our (Health Ministry) concern is health and we do not tolerate inhaling nicotine, unless prescribed by a medical officer. Nicotine is categorised as a Group C poison under the Poisons Act 1952 (Revision 1989) and Food Act 1983.
“Those manufacturing, distributing and selling it need to be licensed. On our part, our concern is public health and we don’t tolerate inhaling nicotine or other poisons that can be in the vape fluid,” he stressed.
Dr Zulkifli thus called on all healthcare workers to work closely as a team to tackle the issue.
“It’s nuisance to claim vaping helps people quit smoking. There’s no evidence to that claim. Our concern is safety, its long-term health implications,” he added.
Dr Zulkifli made this appeal on Sunday night when officiating at the state-level ‘Malam Mesra Inovasi 2015’ held at the civic centre here, attended by healthcare workers from across the state.
The three-day programme ends today.
On another matter, Dr Zulkifli called on medical officers (MOs) from Peninsular Malaysia serving here to be the ‘ambassadors or messengers’ to promote this town, so as to attract more MOs from the peninsula to serve here.
“I’m impressed with the MOs in Kapit. You always give the best service. I hope these MOs would promote Kapit and attract more doctors to take up posting to Kapit.
“Tell your colleagues what are the good things here. Although Kapit is only accessible by three hours’ boat ride, the ongoing road construction would provide alternative route to connect Kapit with other towns,” he said.
At the function, Dr Zulkifli presented certificates and prizes to the winners of various categories of competitions. Kapit Hospital won the ‘Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH)’ for the fourth executive year.
He also presented souvenirs to three outgoing MOs — Dr Chan Pei Lin, Dr Nickson Tai Boon Khean and Dr Wong Yin Yee — who would be transferred to Kuching General Hospital after their tour of duty here.
Earlier, Kapit Hospital director Dr Hii King Ching, who is the programme’s organising chairperson, gave an overview of the challenges when serving here.
She thanked all personnel for their dedication and commitment in providing the best healthcare to their clients.
She also expressed her gratitude to the local community, in particular the non-governmental organisations (NGOs), for being very helpful during its regular mass blood donation drives.
The function as also attended by state Health Department assistant director Dr Jamiliah Hashim, Kapit Health officer Dr Hasrina Hassan, Dr Asmah Nazahiyah and Dr Chia Jit Chie.