Bandar seri begawan: The findings of the 2019 'Global School Health' Survey revealed a concerning trend in adolescent smoking and vaping rates. The survey showed that 9.8 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 are smokers, while the use of electronic cigarettes among those aged 13 to 15 stands at 13.3 percent. These figures draw a stark comparison to the STEPS Survey 2022/2023, which reported that 13.4 percent of adults aged 18 and above are smokers and 11 percent use electronic cigarettes.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the Health Minister highlighted that the use of electronic cigarettes among teenagers is more prevalent than among adults. This reality contradicts the claim that the electronic cigarette industry was introduced as a tool to help adult smokers quit smoking, as these products are also enticing the younger generation towards nicotine addiction.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar addressed this issue in a message for World No Tobacco Day 2026. Despite Brunei Darussalam's prohibition on the sale of vapes and the absence of licensed tobacco distributors, the country faces challenges as nicotine products remain accessible through online sales, social media, smuggling, and peer-to-peer sharing.
The global community now confronts a new threat: vapes mixed with prohibited substances and dangerous drugs. The use of such vapes is life-threatening and constitutes a serious criminal offense under national law. This threat highlights the urgency of addressing vape use among young people, who may be easily influenced and unaware of the health and safety risks.
Addressing this issue requires collective effort from parents, educational institutions, government agencies, community leaders, and the public to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products. Strengthening health education and supporting evidence-based policies and control measures are essential to reduce the allure and accessibility of these harmful products.
For those seeking to quit smoking or using nicotine products like vapes, His Majesty's Government provides assistance through Smoking Cessation Clinics at Health Centres nationwide. The clinics offer counselling, professional support, and pharmacotherapy assistance, including nicotine replacement devices, to aid individuals in quitting and improving their health. World No Tobacco Day 2026 promotes the theme 'Unveiling the Attraction: Tackling Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction'.