Smoke-Free Penang (PENBAR) Issue 1/2026

The Penang Smoke-Free (PENBAR) initiative held its first high-level meeting of 2026 on February 10 at KOMTAR, chaired by State Exco for Youth, Sports, and Health, YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, to sharpen enforcement and public health strategies. Key representatives from the PRN, Director Dr. Nur Azzalia Kamaruzaman and Pharmacist Encik Mohd Fadhli Razali, joined various government agencies and NGOs to address the alarming rise in vaping-related incidents among the youth. During the session, Dr. Nur Azzalia presented critical statistics on poisoning exposures and highlighted a dangerous new trend: the detection of etomidate—a potent anesthetic—in vape liquids seized by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). This strategic assembly focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation to bolster advocacy and preventive education, ensuring that future interventions are equipped to tackle the evolving chemical threats facing the community in the state's pursuit of a smoke-free environment.