E-cigarette Use Among Malaysian Teens Rises, Alarming Drug Use Statistics Revealed

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – May 31, 2025 – A recent report from the Malaysian Health Ministry has revealed a troubling trend: a significant increase in e-cigarette use among teenagers. Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated, "The use of e-cigarettes has unfortunately crept up from 4.9 percent to 5.1 percent, especially among adolescents." This increase is particularly concerning in light of the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), which found that 60,000 teenagers are current drug users, and over 100,000 have experimented with illegal substances. The minister emphasized the government's commitment to a smoke-free Malaysia by 2040, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts and firm action to address these issues. The NHMS data underscores the urgent need for preventative measures and public health campaigns to combat these trends. The ministry's commitment to a smoke-free future offers a hopeful outlook, provided the necessary steps are taken to tackle the underlying issues.