Kota Kinabalu: Rising cases of mental health problems, obesity and vaping among teenagers must be addressed early to safeguard Malaysia’s future generation, said State Deputy Health Director (Public Health) Dr Abdul Marsudi Manah.
Speaking at the Kota Kinabalu Area Health Office’s Teen Health Carnival at SM Maktab Sabah, Saturday, he said the wellbeing of adolescents today would determine the success of the nation in the years to come.
“One in 10 teenagers in Malaysia suffers from mental health issues, one in 10 is overweight or obese and data shows that 20 per cent of teenagers aged 13 to 17 are using e-cigarettes. These are critical challenges that require collective attention,” he said.
Dr Marsudi advised young people to steer clear of negative social behaviours such as bullying, drug abuse and vaping, and instead embrace positive values and healthy lifestyles.
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