After a more than 10-year stagnant tobacco tax rate, Malaysia’s cigarette excise duties went up by only 2 sen per stick in Budget 2026. We explore the discrepancies between our tobacco taxes and the national health expenditure to treat smoking- and vaping-related diseases, and what should be a meaningful rate of tobacco tax to change smoking behaviours.


Image credit: Shutterstock

After a more than 10-year stagnant tobacco tax rate, Malaysia’s cigarette excise duties went up by only 2 sen per stick in Budget 2026. We explore the discrepancies between our tobacco taxes and the national health expenditure to treat smoking- and vaping-related diseases, and what should be a meaningful rate of tobacco tax to change smoking behaviours. Image credit: Shutterstock

Wander and be enlightened by the endlessly fascinating inner universe that is the human body. We speak with experts, Nobel laureates, cancer survivors and healthcare workers who share their unique perspectives on wellness and living and the latest medical research.

Health & Living

Public Health: Malaysia’s Cigarette And Vape Tax Story

On this month’s open clinic, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh joins us to answer your questions about the shoulders - how these joints support our daily arm movements, how our love of badminton and pickleball could lead to shoulder injuries, and when it’s dangerous to shrug off these problems.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

On this month’s open clinic, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh joins us to answer your questions about the shoulders - how these joints support our daily arm movements, how our love of badminton and pickleball could lead to shoulder injuries, and when it’s dangerous to shrug off these problems.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Ask An Orthopaedic Surgeon: How We Swing A Racquet (Or Paddle, Golf Club, etc)

Parents and caregivers in the rare disease community often feel alone, overwhelmed and stressed in the journey of caring for their loved ones. This is the second part of a conversation where we find out about the mental health needs of caregivers in this situation, and why parental support is crucial. 


This conversation touches on suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, call 03-76272929 or email sam@befrienders.org.my, or reach out for help within your community. You can also contact Talian HEAL at 15 555, MIASA at 1-800-1800-66 or Thrive Well. You can also reach out to Malaysia Rare Disorders Society for support from the rare diseases community.



Listen to Part 1 here.




Image Credit: Malaysian Rare Disorders Society (Persatuan Penyakit Jarang Jumpa Malaysia) Facebook

Parents and caregivers in the rare disease community often feel alone, overwhelmed and stressed in the journey of caring for their loved ones. This is the second part of a conversation where we find out about the mental health needs of caregivers in this situation, and why parental support is crucial.&nbsp; This conversation touches on suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, call 03-76272929 or email <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:sam@befrienders.org.my">sam@befrienders.org.my</a>, or reach out for help within your community. You can also contact Talian HEAL at 15 555, MIASA at 1-800-1800-66 or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thethrive.center/">Thrive Well</a>. You can also reach out to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mrds.org.my/">Malaysia Rare Disorders Society</a> for support from the rare diseases community.Listen to Part 1 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bfm.my/content/podcast/mind-matters-helping-parents-feel-less-alone-part-1">here</a>. Image Credit: Malaysian Rare Disorders Society (Persatuan Penyakit Jarang Jumpa Malaysia) Facebook

Mind Matters: Helping Parents Feel Less Alone (Part 2)

The FIFA World Cup kicks off today! Anticipation is high for all 104 matches but there are also concerns over the welfare of athletes and fans alike, as this could be the hottest World Cup on record. So how will the extreme heat affect an athlete's well-being and performance? On top of that, what kind of injuries become more likely during a tournament like this? For some insights, consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by consultant sports medicine physician Dr Ahmad Izuddin Abdul Manaf, who is also head of medical services at the Red Giants Clinic.



Image credit: Shutterstock

The FIFA World Cup kicks off today! Anticipation is high for all 104 matches but there are also concerns over the welfare of athletes and fans alike, as this could be the hottest World Cup on record. So how will the extreme heat affect an athlete's well-being and performance? On top of that, what kind of injuries become more likely during a tournament like this? For some insights, consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by consultant sports medicine physician Dr Ahmad Izuddin Abdul Manaf, who is also head of medical services at the Red Giants Clinic.Image credit: Shutterstock

Public Health: Malaysia’s Cigarette And Vape Tax Story

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