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KUALA LUMPUR - The government must expedite its decision to impose a total ban on vaping to curb the growing threat posed by vape liquids containing synthetic psychoactive substances.
Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said vape liquids marketed under names such as "Piu Piu” and "Magic Mushroom” could no longer be regarded as isolated cases, as they were increasingly being exploited to conceal, distribute and consume illicit substances among youths and schoolchildren.
He welcomed the Health Ministry's (MOH) move towards banning vaping, particularly open-system devices, and urged the matter to be brought before the Cabinet without delay.
"However, the government must urgently bring the matter to the Cabinet for a decision and announce a clear timeline, implementation mechanism and transition plan leading to a total ban on vaping,” he said in a statement today.
Commenting on the increase in cases, Ahmad Fahmi said statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Narcotics Crime Investigation Department showed 168 cases and 267 arrests involving vape liquids laced with synthetic drugs as of June 10 this year, compared with 108 cases and 138 arrests recorded throughout last year.
He said the development was a warning that syndicates were adapting their drug distribution methods to the culture and lifestyle of young people by using vape liquids containing various synthetic psychoactive substances.
He added that for teenagers already affected by such substances, rehabilitation measures, including health screening, counselling, addiction treatment and family support, should be prioritised over punitive action or stigmatisation. - BERNAMA
