A recent viral post has sparked criticism from many Malaysians, featuring a man handing a cigarette to a teen, believed to be his son.
According to the post, which was screenshotted and reshared on Threads, the man explained in his caption that the cigarette was his son’s ‘reward’ for completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), effectively giving him a “license” to smoke.
Public Health Malaysia responds to the viral post
While many netizens voiced their disappointment over the father’s actions, the post has also caught the attention of Public Health Malaysia (PHM), which shared its perspective on the incident.
“Many fathers smoke, but it’s rare to see one actually hand a cigarette to his own child. Even heavy smokers usually have a line they won’t cross,” they said.
In a Facebook post, PHM drew a comparison to Malaysia’s first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a father of seven, highlighting his clear “rule” when it comes to raising his children.
“Sheikh Muszaphar shared in a post that his child must be able to read by around age 4, with the goal of reading the Quran by age 5. This isn’t to show off, but because he believes the early years are critical for building a strong developmental foundation.
“So he sticks to consistency, understanding that young children need structure, routines, and a stable adult figure to help them feel safe in the world,” PHM wrote.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor
“If dad allows it, then it must be safe”
Meanwhile, PHM highlighted that the second father chose to reward his son with a cigarette, marking it as a gesture of stepping into adulthood.
“He gave his son a cigarette as a ‘you’re grown up now’ reward. It might seem like a cool bonding moment, but a 17-year-old’s brain is still developing.
“The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls impulses, weighs risks, and helps make mature decisions, is one of the last areas to fully develop, usually not until the mid-20s,” they explained.
They added that when a father himself “approves” smoking as a sign of adulthood, the child is likely to develop the mindset that “if dad allows it, it must be safe.”
PHM also highlighted how nicotine can affect a developing brain, impacting circuits involved in memory and self-control and potentially leading to learning difficulties and impulse-control issues if the habit continues.
“The importance of a father becomes clear here. A father isn’t just ‘someone at home.’ He’s a role model that a child unconsciously looks up to. Studies in developmental psychology show that fathers who are responsive and consistent help children develop stronger emotional skills, including the ability to regulate their emotions.
“But let’s be honest. This isn’t about comparison. Not every father needs to be like Sheikh Muszaphar, and not all fathers have the same time, energy, or parenting style. One principle every father can follow is simple: don’t be the hand that harms.”
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Also read: Irresponsible M’sian Father Purposely Blows Smoke In His Son’s Face at a Restaurant
