01/06/2026

MONDAY | JUNE 1, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

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Plotting next step in efforts to curb nicotine addiction

Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The growing dependence on likes, comments and online approval is quietly reshaping how young people measure their self-worth, with an expert saying that excessive reliance on social media validation could have lasting consequences for mental health and emotional wellbeing. University of Nottingham Malaysia School of Psychology associate professor Dr Siti Khadijah Zainal Badri said research has shown an increasingly negative relationship between self-worth and the pursuit of validation through social media, particularly among young people. She said the trend is closely linked to the fear of missing out (Fomo), fuelled by constant exposure to online content that encourages comparisons with others. “Excessive pursuit of emotional stability through social media validation is a very unhealthy behaviour that can gradually reduce psychological wellbeing and overall quality of life.” Siti Khadijah said taking a break from social media for several weeks or months could bring noticeable psychological benefits as individuals reconnect with their surroundings and real-life relationships. She explained that reducing social media use often helps people move away from maintaining a digital presence and become more emotionally and physically engaged in everyday life. “They start enjoying life and embracing their uniqueness instead of worrying about fitting into social media trends.” Research on excessive social media use has linked constant exposure to digital stimulation with discomfort, agitation and restlessness. As a result, a period of digital detox may improve concentration, GEORGE TOWN: Health advocates have expressed cautious relief following a recent Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling that declared as invalid the exemption of liquid nicotine and nicotine gel used in vape products from the Poisons List after a judicial review filed by the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, Green Lung Malaysia and Voice of the Children. The judge ruled that the exemption was driven primarily by economic considerations and had been granted before the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) came into force on Oct 1 last year. In a statement issued on May 17, the Health Ministry said it would consult the Attorney-General’s Chambers on the legal implications of the ruling before deciding on its next course of action. The ministry said the decision reflected a functioning system of checks and balances, while reaffirming its commitment to enforcing laws aimed at protecting minors from smoking and vaping products. National Cancer Society Malaysia Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

emotional calmness and sleep quality while reducing mental fatigue. Siti Khadijah added that social media platforms are designed to provide rapid and continuous stimulation, which can contribute to impatience and short attention spans. “Many individuals have become accustomed to instant stimulation and reward systems. “Excessive digital engagement can reinforce dopamine-driven reward seeking behaviours that may not be sustainable in the long run.” She added that human happiness remains closely tied to meaningful relationships and interaction with the natural world, both of which can be displaced by excessive screen time. The psychological effects of social media overstimulation are becoming increasingly evident, particularly among young adults and students. According to Siti Khadijah, growing digital dependence is contributing to higher levels of anxiety, impatience, emotional fragility and critical behaviour. “In educational settings, we are seeing students becoming less patient with the learning process and struggling with self-control, emotional regulation and resilience.” She attributed the shift to constant exposure to content promoting immediate gratification over long term growth and perseverance. Young adults are especially vulnerable as they remain in crucial stages of emotional and psychological development. Social comparison, cyberbullying and exposure to distressing content could also contribute to burnout, anxiety and attention difficulties. The academician said many people report feeling lighter and more at peace after deactivating their social media accounts, as disconnecting helps clear mental clutter. She explained that this sense of relief comes from no longer having their “mind space” occupied by managing director Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said the consequences of the exemption had been foreseeable. He told theSun that health groups had warned from the outset that removing nicotine from the Poisons List would make it easier for young people to access vape products before adequate safeguards were in place. “Deregulation expanded nicotine use instead of reducing it. “Many young users had already o Health experts urge keeping substance on Poisons List and revisit of Generational Endgame provisions

ruling as a victory for public health and called on the government to reinstate nicotine under the Poisons Act while reviving the GEG proposal. He also raised concerns over the growing circulation of drug-laced vape liquids among students, saying some young users had progressed from flavoured products to potent “zombie” blends capable of inducing an intense high. “They know where to get it. Many parents are still unaware of how serious this has become.” Earlier this week, six individuals were arrested after videos shared online allegedly showed them using suspected drug-laced vape products. Health groups now warn that Malaysia risks producing an entire generation dependent on nicotine, the very outcome the GEG proposal was originally designed to prevent.

requires proper regulatory oversight. “It should not be treated as just another taxable consumer product.” The Generational Endgame (GEG) proposal, introduced in 2022 by then health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, sought to permanently prohibit the sale of tobacco and vaping products to anyone born on or after Jan 1, 2007, even after reaching adulthood. The proposal was re-tabled in 2023 but later stripped of its GEG provisions following constitutional objections before Act 852 was eventually passed. Meanwhile, the 2023 exemption allowed nicotine-containing vape products to be sold freely for about 18 months before the law took effect. Consumers Association of Penang senior education officer N.V. Subbarow welcomed the High Court

developed dependency long before Act 852 came into force. By the time the law took effect, the problem had become deeply entrenched, fuelling an illicit market that continues to grow.” The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), which participated in the judicial review as amicus curiae, or friend of the court, urged the government not to appeal the decision and instead reinstate liquid nicotine under the Poisons Act. Its president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo noted that the Poisons Board had unanimously recommended against the delisting in 2023. Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Prof Amrahi Buang described nicotine as a pharmacologically active and dependency-forming substance that

Youths increasingly tying self-worth to online validation

Siti Khadijah said the psychological effects of social media overstimulation are becoming evident, particularly among young adults and students. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

low self-esteem and pressure to constantly keep up. She stressed that the impact of social media largely depends on who people follow, what they consume and why they engage with it. “Ultimately, moderation and mindful decision-making are essential for maintaining healthy digital habits. “Anything done excessively and without mindful consideration can negatively affect a person’s wellbeing, relationships and quality of life. “This is what we refer to in research as ‘too much of a good thing’.”

Siti Khadijah also cautioned that continuous exposure to other people’s lives online could distort perceptions of personal success, relationships and self-worth. While some public figures can be genuine sources of inspiration, social media often presents highly curated versions of reality that overlook everyday struggles. “People may unconsciously compare their real lives with other people’s highlight reels.” She said over extended periods, this could lead to dissatisfaction,

pressure with trends, expectations and constant comparisons. “When people deactivate or limit social media use, they are effectively closing the door to external and unwanted stimuli. “This creates space for self-reflection and helps them regain control over their thoughts and emotions.” She said the relief also stems from reduced pressure to compare oneself with others or conform to online expectations. to keep up