Netizens flame public health advocate for sexist hijabi vaping PSA

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian health advocate platform is receiving fierce public backlash for a supposedly sexist post about vaping among women.

Two days ago, Public Health Malaysia (PHM) tweeted a public service announcement on increased e-cigarette usage among hijabi women in the country.

The tweet showed a mock conversation between two people, where the one vaping was a woman in a hijab.

The tweet added that hijabi women with vape pods hanging from their necks is a common sight these days.

Many netizens criticised the tweet, calling it sexist as it suggests that Muslim women are not allowed to smoke or vape because of their hijab.

Sayang.. muka dah cantik, berhijab pula tu. Tapi kaki vape.

Ada peningkatan dalam pengguna baru rokok elektronik di kalangan wanita yang tidak pernah menggunakan produk tembakau sebelum ini.

Tudung bawal + gantung pod di leher adalah pemandangan biasa boleh dilihat hari ini. pic.twitter.com/y2lCHpVveg

— Public Health Malaysia (@health_malaysia) February 19, 2023

“So is it acceptable for Muslim men to vape or smoke despite years of research that shows how harmful it is, while hijabi Muslim women should not do so only because they wear hijab?

“So what if they don’t? They can vape? Maybe stick to presenting health matters and not religion,” said Twitter user @grandiloquus in reply.

Another Twitter user, @anasfifi, said that men smoking at eateries is also a common sight, which is why they should not target only women in the post. 

Other Twitter users also expressed their bewilderment at the fact that the tweet was approved.

“Wow, I had to click your profile to confirm that you are a legit health advocate. What's the point of your tweet when there is no health context at all?” replied Twitter user @cili_hijau.

Many users added that the tweet should target all genders, not just women, as smoking and vaping is dangerous to everyone.

As of now, Public Health Malaysia has not made any statements responding to the backlash they have received. 

The tweet has been viewed 1.4 million times, and retweeted more than 600 times. – The Vibes, February 22, 2023