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THE Chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, has urged the government to implement a nationwide ban on vape products, citing a worrying surge in youth addiction and drug-laced vaping liquids.
In a statement issued today, Lee said a 32 per cent increase in the seizure of drug-infused vape liquids, coupled with Health Ministry data showing that 65.6 per cent of seized samples in the last two years contained illicit substances, made a compelling case for urgent national action.
“Current regulations are clearly not working. They're being ignored, and the only effective way forward is a complete federal ban, even if it is phased in over time,” he said.
Lee added that while some states have already imposed restrictions on vape sales, the inconsistent regulatory landscape has made enforcement ineffective. “Different rules in each state make it hard to solve the problem,” he noted.
As immediate measures, Lee proposed raising the legal purchasing age, implementing strict age verification systems, imposing stiff penalties on those who sell to minors, and launching aggressive public awareness campaigns in schools and local communities.
“Nicotine is highly addictive and especially harmful to youths. It impairs brain development, affecting learning, memory and attention. The aerosol also irritates the lungs, leading to respiratory issues,” he said, emphasising the dangers of exposing young people to vaping products.
Lee warned that many vape liquids on the market are poorly regulated and may contain harmful substances such as heavy metals and carcinogens. He also pointed to research linking teenage vaping to eventual cigarette smoking, reinforcing the need for preventive measures.
“We should avoid being judgmental. Instead, we need to engage youths, understand their reasons for vaping, and highlight the health benefits of quitting,” he said.
He encouraged schools to step up with talks, outreach programmes, and offer healthier lifestyle alternatives such as sports, scouting, and debating, suggesting that positive peer influence is vital in deterring harmful behaviours. - May 17, 2025