23/06/2025

MONDAY | JUNE 23, 2025

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

4

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Think twice before using makeup testers

Education key to curbing drug abuse, says deputy minister KOTA BHARU: Education is one of the most effective tools in preventing drug abuse in the country, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said on Saturday. He said studies and observations have shown that individuals with higher levels of education were less likely to engage in substance abuse. “We already have the National Social Council to address this issue comprehensively but education remains the most critical factor in preventing and eradicating drug abuse. If possible, we want to ensure as many children as possible have access to the highest level of education, so they are employable. “When someone is working, they are more likely to be engaged in positive and productive activities,” he said during the Bicara Qiadi session at the 2025 National Leadership Gathering organised by the Education Ministry Islamic Education Sector at Pantai Cahaya Bulan. On June 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim raised concerns over the growing trend of drug and vape abuse among youths – particularly among young Malays – and called for a multi-faceted approach involving counselling and religious outreach, or dakwah . Separately, when asked about the recent meeting involving all religious agencies and institutions under the ministry to discuss the Sisters in Islam issue, Zulkifli confirmed the matter had been referred to the minister’s office. “The outcome of the meeting was positive as the discussion took into account a broad and comprehensive perspective,” he said, without elaborating. On Thursday, the Federal Court ruled in a 3-1 majority decision that a fatwa issued by the Selangor Fatwa Committee in 2014, and subsequently gazetted by the state government, is valid but only applies to individuals. – Bernama Perak targets October ban on vape sales IPOH: The Perak government is targeting a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products by October, subject to the approval of a working paper currently being prepared. State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the state health department, under the leadership of its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, has been instructed to complete the working paper as soon as possible. “The paper will then be submitted to the state executive council for a decision on enforcement, which I am aiming to implement by October,”he said after officiating at the Orthopaedic Symposium Programme at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel on Saturday. On June 4, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state government was thoroughly reviewing the need for a ban, with several issues still under consideration. While acknowledging that the decision may cause unease among vape retailers, Sivanesan stressed that public health must take precedence. “We are prepared to receive complaints, but we will proceed with what is best for the people,”he said. The symposium, organised by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital, saw participation from over 90 orthopaedic specialists nationwide. Sivanesan commended the initiative and encouraged other private hospitals in Perak to emulate the effort in sharing knowledge and the latest advancements in medical technology. – Bernama

o Dermatologist warns shared cosmetics may carry viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections and allergic reactions

“Lipsticks with alcohol or oil bases may reduce the survival time, but it’s not a guarantee,” he added. When asked about hygiene practices in stores, he said they can be “very effective, if done properly”. Alcohol swabs containing 70% isopropyl alcohol can eliminate more than 99% of surface germs and disposable applicators help, provided they are not reused. “But re-dipping them defeats the purpose,” he said. “These hygiene protocols only work if staff follow them consistently, which isn’t always the case in busy retail environments.” Lim advised consumers never to apply testers directly to the lips, eyes or face. “Test lipsticks on your arm or wrist, and always ask for a fresh applicator, or better yet, bring your own. “Request that staff sanitise the product in front of you and avoid testing during peak hours when lapses are more likely.” He also said hygiene practices have improved since the Covid-19 pandemic. “Many stores have introduced more frequent cleaning, adopted ‘no-touch’ policies and implemented virtual try-on tools,” he said. “Virtual or AI-based try-ons significantly reduce health risks and are increasingly popular with younger consumers.” Even professional makeup artists uphold strict hygiene routines. “They sanitise their tools between clients, use disposable wands and never double-dip,” he said. “Consumers should apply the same standards at home, especially when sharing makeup.”

rapidly weakens it. “The risk is real enough that doctors strongly advise against applying testers directly to the lips.” Lim said herpes is not the only concern, noting that makeup testers are often breeding grounds for other harmful microbes. “Studies have found makeup testers contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” he added. These bacteria can cause a range of issues, from skin infections and boils to more serious conditions such as conjunctivitis. He added that Candida and Aspergillus fungi are also common and may lead to skin rashes or fungal infections. He said some cosmetic products are riskier than others. “Items used on moist areas such as mascara, eyeliners, lipsticks and cream foundations pose a higher risk. “Cream products in jars are easily contaminated by fingers, while dry powders or sharpened pencils are slightly safer, although not completely germ-free,” he said. He also warned that shared cosmetics could trigger allergic reactions or worsen skin conditions. “Even if the product isn’t infected, your skin may still react to residues left behind by others such as sweat, oil or allergens,” he said. “I’ve seen cases of allergic contact dermatitis and acne breakouts caused by shared testers.” On how long pathogens can survive on makeup products, Lim said HSV-1 can linger for several hours, depending on humidity, temperature and the surface type.

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Makeup testers at beauty counters could expose users to harmful viruses, bacteria and fungi, warned a dermatologist, urging the public to avoid applying products directly to the lips, face or around the eyes. Aesthetic dermatologist Dr Lim Ing Kien, also known as Dr Ingky on social media, said makeup testers can harbour viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) as well as bacteria and fungi that may cause skin infections, eye conditions and allergic reactions. “Contracting herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) from a shared lip product is possible, although rare. “For someone to catch herpes from lipstick, the virus must be freshly deposited and immediately used by the next person,” he told theSun . He explained that HSV-1 – the virus responsible for cold sores – can survive for several hours on moist surfaces such as lipsticks, although exposure to air and light Bernama chairman named National Journalism Laureate KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran journalist Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)–Petronas Journalism Awards 2025 held on Friday night. The Bernama chairman, who began his media career in 1984 as a cub reporter with The Star in Penang, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to Malaysian journalism spanning more than four decades. Wong becomes the 14th individual to receive the prestigious title, joining a distinguished list of past recipients including the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail (1988), national literary icon Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995), and veteran editors such as Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar and Datuk A. Kadir Jasin. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Rising through the editorial ranks, Wong eventually held top leadership positions at the Petaling Jaya-based media house, including group chief editor, managing director and CEO of Star Media Group. Appointed Bernama chairman in 2023, Wong had previously served on its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to contribute analytical pieces to Bernama and remains a regular columnist for The Sunday Star , in which his long-running “On The Beat” column has appeared since 1997. Over the years, Wong has scored several

Wong celebrating his win with Bernama photographers Safwan Mansor (left) and Mohd Syafiq Ambak. – BERNAMAPIC

by incorporating analysis and opinion writing. Outside of journalism, he is the author of Penang’s History, My Story , published by The Star in 2014 and later translated into Bahasa Malaysia by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He also served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater . Wong continues to engage with the public through digital platforms, including Instagram, X and YouTube, and remains a strong proponent of professionally trained journalism. “We have undergone years of training and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia’s multi-racial society,” he said. – Bernama

major exclusives, including interviews with renowned figures such as the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US president Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for an investigative report on Malaysians attending terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian to be elected to the Paris-based World Editors Forum, and previously served as chairman of the Asia News Network, representing more than 21 media organisations. An advocate of informed commentary and responsible journalism, Wong urged fellow journalists to explore beyond basic reporting