

Malaysia Launches "The Black Mark" Film to Combat Smoking and Vaping
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a joint effort to combat the rising rates of smoking and vaping among young Malaysians, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Communications launched a powerful short film titled "The Black Mark." The film, released on June 5th, 2025, employs creative visuals to convey the serious health consequences of these habits. The Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Zulkefli Ahmad, stated that using visual media like short films is an innovative approach to reach a wider audience and create a lasting impact. "This program is a collaborative initiative," he said, "combining visual arts elements with public health awareness and community involvement." The short film is part of the government's broader "Back to Cinema" campaign, further emphasizing the commitment to public health. The campaign's creative use of visual storytelling and its focus on youth engagement makes it a noteworthy initiative in the fight against smoking and vaping.