Instead of taking up vaping to quit smoking, those who want to kick the habit should seek help at quit smoking clinics.

Lung Foundation of Malaysia trustee Dr Aziah Ahmad Mahayiddin pointed out that these clinics were available in all states.

“They (the services and medication) are free but there are no takers,” she said in a question-and-answer session in Petaling Jaya today.

She lamented how those who wanted to quit smoking did not seek help from professionals who would ensure they have a higher success rate.

“When they try to stop on their own, this is when they start vaping.

“Smokers would rather choose to quit on their own acting on the advice of their peers,” she said.

Malaysian Thoracic Society council representative for tobacco control Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, on the other hand, is of the opinion that the government needs to support the quit smoking clinics by giving it more financial support.

He also rationalised that those who wish to quit smoking would opt for vaping if the nearest clinic is hours away from their homes.

“We need to make it easier for them to quit through ways that are scientifically proven to work,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lung Foundation of Malaysia chairperson Zainudin Md Zin said the foundation, as well as 10 other associations, will be writing to the Cabinet to urge for a total ban of vape.

“We believe that the long-term effect may be as bad, if not worse than cigarettes.

“Not enough research has been done on it. It may also encourage non-smokers to start vaping as they think there is no harmful effect,” he said.

Vaping became a hot topic after the Health Ministry decided to crack down on vape shops, and seize vape liquids that contained nicotine, a controlled substance that requires a permit to sell.

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