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Thursday, May 22, 2025

The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025): China displays J-10CE, FC-31 fighters at international defense expo, Malaysia to boost maritime security

 

Model of a J-10CE fighter jet is on display at the booth of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation at the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) held in Langkawi, Malaysia on May 20, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the military channel of China Central Television


China is displaying a selection of its top aviation products including the J-10CE and FC-31 fighter jets at an international defense expo that kicked off on Tuesday in Malaysia, with a Chinese expert saying that Chinese military aircraft and their associated systems could become good choices for potential international buyers.

The 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) kicked off in Langkawi, Malaysia on Tuesday, with defense and associated companies from around the globe eyeing a higher profile in Asia's defense sector, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.

China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) brought models of the J-10CE fighter jet and the FC-31 fighter jet to the expo, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday.

Many visitors gathered at the CATIC booth to see these two models, according to the CCTV report.

Recently, China's made-for-export J-10CE fighter jet has been under the spotlight, with major media outlets having focused on the news that the J-10CE has recently achieved its first real combat success. 

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the J-10CE is a combat-proven warplane. With advanced avionics and radar systems plus the PL-15E missile, the aircraft has strong beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.

Displaying a model of the J-10CE at the LIMA 2025 showed China's willingness to promote the export of the aircraft. With the J-10CE being a top-class fighter jet, many countries could consider procuring to modernize their warplane fleet, Fu said.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times that the J-10 series fighter jet has also been widely deployed by the Chinese military, which adds to the aircraft's reliability. 

Besides the fourth-generation fighter jet J-10, China is also offering the fifth-generation fighter jet FC-31. It is more and more likely that Chinese defense products will gain a greater share in the international market in the future, Wang said.

In addition to the J-10CE and the FC-31 fighter jets, the Chinese booth also displayed models of the Y-20 strategic transport aircraft, the Y-9 tactical transport aircraft, the Z-10 attack helicopter and the Z-9 multirole helicopter, the CCTV report showed.
 
Fu said that China is exhibiting complete systems of aviation equipment, including different genres of aircraft of different sizes and purposes. They can meet the different demands of potential international buyers, who can choose from the Chinese products based on their needs.

It also showed that China's aviation industry is developing in all directions, offering all types of products, Fu said.

The LIMA 2025 is scheduled to last until Saturday. Organized biennially, the exhibition features 860 exhibitors representing various sectors in maritime and aerospace. They will be joined by 140 delegates from 46 countries and regions, including heads of military, enforcement agencies and other government officials, according to the organizer, Xinhua reported.
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Malaysia to boost maritime security
China's J-10 fighter jet reshaping landscape of global defense industry: expert

At the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) in Malaysia, global aviation powers are showcasing their top-tier equipment. The J-10CE fighter jet, the export variant of the J-10C, took the center stage at the Chinese booth, shortly following its remarkable debut in real combat, captivating international visitors and military analysts who were eager to observe the aircraft

New footage Chinese J-36 6th-gen fighter emerges, show smooth progress

 

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Could vitamin E help promote longevity?

 

Palm oil and rice bran-derived products are major sources of tocotrienols in our diet. — Hovid

The journey of vitamin E research began in the early 20th century, with tocopherols being the first forms identified and studied for their nutritional significance.

Initially regarded as essential for reproductive health, vitamin E gradually garnered attention for its antioxidant properties.

As research progressed, scientists discovered tocotrienols, which were found to possess superior antioxidant capabilities compared to their tocopherol counterparts.

Characterised by unsaturated side chains, tocotrienols contribute to distinct biological activities.

This revelation led to a surge of interest in tocotrienols, prompting investigations into their potential to prevent chronic diseases and promote overall wellness.

Health benefits

The health benefits of tocotrienols are extensive and diverse.

Research suggests that tocotrienols may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

They have been associated with:

Antioxidant properties

One of the most notable characteristics of tocotrienols is their potent antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants are vital for neutralising free radicals – unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and lead to cellular damage.

Tocotrienols have been shown to be significantly more effective than their tocopherol counterparts in scavenging free radicals.

This enhanced antioxidant capacity helps protect cells from oxidative damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health.

By mitigating oxidative stress, tocotrienols may contribute to the prevention of conditions such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Cardiovascular (heart) health

Tocotrienols have also been extensively studied for their cardiovascular benefits.

Research indicates that these compounds can help lower cholesterol levels, improve arterial health and reduce inflammation – all critical factors in maintaining heart health.

Tocotrienols may inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, leading to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.

Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis – a condition characterised by the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

By promoting better lipid profiles and reducing inflammation, tocotrienols play an essential role in supporting cardiovascular health.

Neuroprotective effects

Emerging research suggests that tocotrienols may offer significant neuroprotective benefits, making them promising candidates for supporting brain health and cognitive function.

Studies have indicated that tocotrienols can help protect neurons from oxidative stress, which is implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allows tocotrienols to exert protective effects directly on brain cells.

Furthermore, tocotrienols may enhance cognitive function and memory, potentially offering a natural approach to preventing age-related cognitive decline.

As the global population ages, the neuroprotective properties of tocotrienols could prove invaluable in promoting longevity and maintaining quality of life.

Cellular longevity

The role of tocotrienols in cellular health also extends to the maintenance of telomeres – the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes – which are pivotal in cellular ageing and longevity.The antioxidant properties of tocotrienols, as well as its support of telomerase activity, could be what helps slow the ageing of our cells.The antioxidant properties of tocotrienols, as well as its support of telomerase activity, could be what helps slow the ageing of our cells.

Composed of repetitive nucleotide sequences, telomeres play a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability by preventing the degradation of genetic material during cell division.

Each time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten, which is a natural part of the ageing process.

When telomeres become critically short, cells enter a state known as senescence, where they can no longer divide.

This process is linked to various age-related diseases and overall longevity.

Factors such as stress, poor diet and lack of physical activity can accelerate telomere shortening, while healthy lifestyle choices may help preserve telomere length and promote longevity.

Emerging research also suggests that tocotrienols may play a significant role in the maintenance and preservation of telomeres, thereby contributing to cellular longevity.

Their antioxidant properties can help protect cells from oxidative stress, a major contributor to telomere shortening.

By neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, tocotrienols may help slow down the rate of telomere attrition.

In addition to their antioxidant capabilities, tocotrienols have been shown to modulate various signalling pathways involved in cell growth and survival.

Some studies indicate that tocotrienols can enhance the expression of telomerase – an enzyme that adds nucleotide sequences to the ends of telomeres – thus potentially counteracting the natural shortening that occurs during cell division.

This dual action of protecting against oxidative damage and supporting telomerase activity positions tocotrienols as promising candidates for promoting telomere health, and by extension, longevity.

Incorporating tocotrienols

Tocotrienols are primarily found in:

  • Palm oil – especially red palm oil, which is rich in both tocotrienols and tocopherols
  • Rice bran oil – from rice grains
  • Barley – from its bran
  • Wheat germ – a nutrient-dense oil source
  • Nuts and seeds – especially hazelnuts and sunflower seeds.

Supplements are also available – often derived from palm or rice bran oil – to help meet intake needs.

While no established daily value exists, studies suggest a daily intake of 100-300mg for health benefits.

Tocotrienol supplements can be found as:

  • Softgel capsules – convenient for consistent dosing
  • Powders – easily mixed into foods.
  • Liquid extracts – providing flexible consumption options.

Do consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially for those pregnant or on medication.

Here are some practical tips on how to incorporate tocotrienols into your diet:

  • Cooking with oils – use red palm or rice bran oil for enhanced flavour and intake
  • Adding whole grains – include barley or whole grain products in your meals
  • Snacking smart – choose nuts and seeds for healthy snacks
  • Supplements – consider tocotrienol supplements if dietary intake is insufficient
  • Diversifying meals – create meals with various tocotrienol sources for nutrition and flavour.

In summary, tocotrienols could provide the bridge between nutrition and longevity, offering significant health ­benefits that merit attention from both science and the public.

Continued research is essential to fully realise their potential in promoting well-being.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician and ­gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information ­provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as ­personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, ­functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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In the Future, China Will Be Dominant. The U.S. Will Be Irrelevant.


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FOR YEARS, THEORISTS have posited the onset of a “Chinese century”: a world in which China finally harnesses its vast economic and technological potential to surpass the United States and reorient global power around a pole that runs through Beijing.

That century may already have dawned, and when historians look back they may very well pinpoint the early months of President Trump’s second term as the watershed moment when China pulled away and left the United States behind.

It doesn’t matter that Washington and Beijing have reached an inconclusive and temporary truce in Mr. Trump’s trade war. The U.S. president immediately claimed it as a win, but that only underlines the fundamental problem for the Trump administration and America: a shortsighted focus on inconsequential skirmishes as the larger war with China is being decisively lost.

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WRECKING BALL

Mr. Trump is taking a wrecking ball to the pillars of American power and innovation. His tariffs are endangering U.S. companies’ access to global markets and supply chains. He is slashing public research funding and gutting our universities, pushing talented researchers to consider leaving for other countries. 

He wants to roll back programs for technologies like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing and is wiping out American soft power in large swaths of the globe. 

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A DIFFERENT PATH

China’s trajectory couldn’t be more different.

It already leads global production in multiple industries — steel, aluminum, shipbuilding, batteries, solar power, electric vehicles, wind turbines, drones, 5G equipment, consumer electronics, active pharmaceutical ingredients and bullet trains. 

It is projected to account for 45 percent — nearly half — of global manufacturing by 2030. Beijing is also laser-focused on winning the future: In March it announced a $138 billion national venture capital fund that will make long-term investments in cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing and robotics, and increased its budget for public research and development.
The results of China’s approach have been stunning.

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SPUTNIK MOMENTS
When the Chinese start-up DeepSeek launched its artificial intelligence chatbot in January, many Americans suddenly realized that China could compete in A.I. But there have been a series of Sputnik moments like that.

The Chinese electric carmaker BYD, which Mr. Trump’s political ally Elon Musk once laughed off as a joke, overtook Tesla last year in global sales, is building new factories around the world and in March reached a market value greater than that of Ford, GM and Volkswagen combined. 

China is charging ahead in drug discoveries, especially cancer treatments, and installed more industrial robots in 2023 than the rest of the world combined. 

In semiconductors, the vital commodity of this century and a longtime weak point for China, it is building a self-reliant supply chain led by recent breakthroughs by Huawei. Critically, Chinese strength across these and other overlapping technologies is creating a virtuous cycle in which advances in multiple interlocking sectors reinforce and elevate one another.

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FIXATED ON TARIFFS
Yet Mr. Trump remains fixated on tariffs. He doesn’t even seem to grasp the scale of the threat posed by China. Before the two countries’ announcement last Monday that they had agreed to slash trade tariffs, Mr. Trump dismissed concerns that his previous sky-high tariffs on Chinese goods would leave shelves empty in American stores. 

He said Americans could just get by with buying fewer dolls for their children — a characterization of China as a factory for toys and other cheap junk that is wildly out of date.

The United States needs to realize that neither tariffs nor other trade pressure will get China to abandon the state-driven economic playbook that has worked so well for it and suddenly adopt industrial and trade policies that Americans consider fair. If anything, Beijing is doubling down on its state-led approach, bringing a Manhattan Project-style focus to achieving dominance in high-tech industries. 

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CHINA FACING SERIOUS PROBLEMS
China faces its own serious challenges. A prolonged real estate slump continues to drag on economic growth, though there are signs that the sector may be finally recovering. Longer-term challenges also loom, such as a shrinking work force and an aging population. 

But skeptics have been predicting China’s peak and inevitable fall for years, only to be proved wrong each time. 

The enduring strength of a state-dominated Chinese system that can pivot, change policy and redirect resources at will in service of long-term national strength is now undeniable, regardless of whether free-market advocates like it.

***

This is an extract of an article published in the New York Times on Tuesday 20 May, 2025. Link provided.

Kyle Chan is a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University who focuses on technology and industrial policy in China.

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Sunday, May 18, 2025

Vaping their way to drugs, dangerous

 

Pocket size: Widely available, small, colourful vape devices are also easy to conceal. — File photo

A DECADE ago, when e-cigarettes, or vapes, landed on our shores, tobacco cessation experts cautioned that the devices could be a gateway to smoking, and a threat to Malaysia’s goal of becoming a smoke-free nation.

Today, the fear is that vapes are luring teens to drugs, creating a generation addicted to substances even more dangerous than nicotine, Monash University Malaysia associate professor and KPJ Puteri Hospital consultant Dr Anne Yee told StarEdu.

Dr Yee, who is also a Universiti Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) adjunct professor and Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia (AMAM) honorary secretary, said unregulated vape liquids are increasingly being mixed with unknown substances, making them more dangerous and addictive.

Vaping nicotine, Dr Yee noted, increases the likelihood of trying other addictive substances, including cannabis and illicit drugs.

Early exposure to nicotine primes the brain for further drug experimentation​, she said.

“Many vape products contain high levels of nicotine, increasing the risk of long-term addiction.

“The earlier a person starts using nicotine, the greater the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life,” she said, adding that vapes have been found to contain illicit substances such as THC, synthetic cannabinoids, or opioids (see infographic), which increase the risk of addiction, toxic chemical exposure, and the risk of respiratory and neurological damage.

“Youths may unknowingly inhale these dangerous substances as unregulated vape products are widely available online – especially social media,” she said.

Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) Karangan director Zuraidah Ayob said most of the teens at the facility get stuck on drugs through vaping.

“It’s very worrying because the numbers are increasing.

“During one visit to a school in Kuala Lumpur, I asked the 200 students gathered how many of them vaped. A quarter raised their hands. Those were the ones who admitted but imagine how many others who were afraid to raise their hands?” she said, adding that when vape was introduced, it was promoted as a healthier alternative to smoking but the vapour is not safe.

Most vapes contain nicotine levels that are higher than cigarettes, she said.

“Teens are getting hooked without even realising it because they see it as a trend rather than a high risk habit.

“Vape is a gateway to drugs and if not curtailed through education, enforcement and parental or community intervention, we will create a generation that is highly vulnerable to drug abuse,” she concluded.

Note: The Puspen Karangan school is in need of reading materials for its library, as well as volunteers to conduct tuition classes, skills training and motivational talks for its students. Companies interested in assisting as part of their corporate social responsibility programmes, or non-governmental organisations involved in education, may contact the school at zuraidah@aadk.gov.my or pengarah_karangan@aadk.gov.my

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‘Mushrooms’ in our midst

Determined to turn over a new leaf, these students will sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams this year at the country’s first Puspen school in Karangan, Kedah.

A typical day for these students starts at 9am and ends at 4.30pm. In between lessons at the school, which opened in December last year, co-curricular activities like computer classes are conducted, with students given a two-and-a-half-hour break for lunch.

In an exclusive interview with StarEdu, these students share how curiosity and friends led them to “magic mushrooms”.

Vaping, they say, should be banned because illegal substances are so easily available.

I was introduced to ‘mushrooms’ three years ago by a friend. Before I knew it, I was spending more than RM20 daily to feed my addiction. I got the liquid from a dealer and added it to my vape. The high would hit within five to 10 seconds, and I’d start to feel calm. Soon, I began feeling scared because the drug caused me to overthink. It slowed down my brain, and I was always forgetting stuff. I really regret trying it – if not for my curiosity, I wouln’t be here today. I hope vaping will be banned because many are abusing it. I want to continue my studies if I pass the SPM.

– Salman, 17, Selangor

CLICK TO ENLARGECLICK TO ENLARGEI used to take pil kuda (yaba pill) to give me energy when I worked in the paddy fields. I could not sleep at night so I turned to vaping ‘mushrooms’. I started when I was 13. My friend told me it would help with my insomnia and soon I was hooked. It’s only RM1 per drop and it is very easy to buy. Usually I would buy 10 drops and when I had some money, I would get a bottle for RM150, which could last me a week. It didn’t affect my studies because I was already skipping school anyway, but because I had been playing truant, my school called AADK. I was picked up and my urine test came back positive. It would be good to ban vaping because it is so easy to consume drugs with the device. No one will know. There is no smell at all. Please do not try it because when you are experiencing withdrawal, you really lose all control. I don’t crave it anymore, though sometimes I still have trouble sleeping.

– Kamal, 16, Terengganu

I am here because of ‘mushrooms’ introduced by friends. I was spending about RM700 and above per month on vaping. I come from a well-to-do family. My pocket money was RM40 daily. Sometimes I got more if I helped my mum, so I could save up to RM70 per day. If I had extra, I’d buy a bottle of mushroom liquid, which cost between RM90 and RM150. It’s widely available on social media. The first time I tried it, I thought, “Best le”. I felt happy – always laughing. I tried it for fun and was hooked for three years. I started with a little bit – over time, I felt I couldn’t do without it, so I was vaping 24 hours a day. I needed it as soon as I woke up. It interrupted my studies. I felt ‘heavy’ and couldn’t do anything. Many of my friends used it but I usually vaped alone or with my twin brother. He stopped a little bit earlier than me. I ‘kantoi’ last year during Raya. My mum woke me up on the morning of Raya and asked me to take a bath but I couldn’t wake up. She was angry and started scolding me. My brother came in and saw my vape. He knew what had happened. He asked me if it was ‘mushroom’ but I denied it. He didn’t believe me and tried it. He ended up losing consciousness. He woke up six hours later and couldn’t remember a thing. He told my mum. My mum gave me many chances until finally, the school found out and contacted AADK. Now, I am determined to do my best because in Puspen, the education is good – especially the aspects of religion and discipline. After SPM, I want to be a pilot but I wear specs so that may not be possible. If I can’t achieve what I want, I will continue my mum’s business as taukeh canteen. My first time trying drugs was through vape. It is so cheap and easy to buy. It should be banned. Please don’t be like me. You will ‘gian’ after the first try and it will be hard to stop.

– Adam, 17, Pahang

I don’t even drink alcohol but I started vaping in Form One and was introduced to meth and weed vape liquids. My friend said I would feel high so I wanted to try – 1ml was only RM30. One bottle was RM150. We would pool our money and share one bottle. Usually when I was high, my eyes would turn red but if I took too much, I got sleepy. For the longest time, no one knew. Every 30 minutes I would need to vape. The first time I tried, I felt nothing. And then I got addicted. I’d just spend my days sleeping. For three years, my mum tried to advise me but I couldn’t stop. This year is my SPM year, so she wants me to sit for the exams at Puspen. I am not angry with my mum for sending me here but I am sad. I know it’s for my own good. Now, I feel prepared for my SPM. Every two weeks, my parents will visit. If I could do things all over again, I would never touch this. No more drugs. I didn’t take drugs because of family problems. It was because of friends. I am an only child. My mother cried so many times. I felt so sad because I kept repeating my mistake. Even one drop can change your future. Just don’t try. The negative things that come with one try is not worth it. I want to be a policeman but I am scared that after this, I won’t get a chance. If I cannot join the force, I want to study to be a vet.

– Raghu, 17, Penang

I was always lazy to go to school – ‘kuat ponteng’ since Form Two. I had some issues at home. I got hooked on drugs at 17. It all started with normal vape until my friend introduced me to liquids with drugs. ‘Gian I kuat’ and I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t sleep because there was a lot on my mind. So I would vape before going to sleep. I was working part-time at a food stall. When I vaped, I couldn’t work. I felt lazy. Eventually, my boss found out. I ‘kantoi’ with mum. I was always sleeping and she suspected something was amiss. I used to also pace a lot and could not sit still. I was always dizzy. When my mum asked what’s wrong, I did not tell her. I tried to stop but I kept going back. I used ‘mushroom’ and would spend about RM10 to RM20 a day. I bought it from a friend. I really want to change. I want to get a good job and make my mum happy. When she sent me here, my mum told me to take care of myself and study properly. After my SPM, I want to take up vocational skills – to be an electrician. I am now focused on memorising my lessons for the SPM. School is good so far. I hope youths like me will be more selective when making friends. Avoid people who introduce you to bad things. Stay far, far away because once you start, it’s hard to stop.

– Amin, 19, Kedah

I’m the third of five siblings. When I was in Year One, my parents divorced. I could not accept that my father had remarried. My mum suffered from mental illness. I was Form One when I started vaping ‘mushrooms’. Before that, I was smoking cannabis for five years. Two years ago, my friend let me try ‘mushrooms’ with vape. Then I started using pil kuda together with the mushroom liquid. I had registered to sit for the SPM then but because I was high and hallucinating from ‘mushrooms’, I got into an accident and dropped out of school. I am excited to sit for my SPM this year because I have never been out of my home state. I entered Puspen unprepared but I have tried by best to face it. From my heart, I want to tell students like me – if you have girlfriend problems or whatever, don’t turn to drugs. You don’t need this in your life. I turned to drugs because I was disappointed with my girlfriend and family. When I was high, my family became like my enemy – I was aggressive with my parents. I just wanted money from them. I didn’t realise what I was doing. I would snatch money from my mum when she did not want to give it willingly. I couldn’t control my emotions and now I am here. My family finally put me here because they knew I was hanging out with the wrong crowd. I have been here for 11 months. My body is full of toxins now - pumped with drugs. I am learning to accept that I am an addict. I cannot go home because if I do, I will definitely go back to my friends. After SPM, the first thing I want to do is hug my mum and apologise to her because I spent this Raya without my family. I want to say thank you to my mum for everything and I want to make her proud of me. Even though society will always see the word ‘penagih’ stamped on my forehead, I will always try to make my mother proud – with everything that I have. I understand now my mum is sick, so as a son, I must try to move forward - away from the past hurt, and make her proud.

– Shukri, 19, Terengganu

*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the students.

 

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15 hours ago — Today, the fear is that vapes are luring teens to drugs, creating a generation addicted to substances way more dangerous than nicotine.
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