SHAH ALAM, Oct 7 - Drug abuse is becoming increasingly complex, with new methods emerging, including the use of vapes to consume illicit substances.
Selangor Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the trend was deeply concerning and required a more comprehensive approach involving prevention, monitoring and enforcement operations by the authorities.
“The current scale of drug abuse is very worrying, and we hope the authorities can assist through enforcement operations and preventive measures. Continuous efforts must be strengthened to ensure the problem is addressed.
“Drugs are no longer limited to substances such as cannabis. Drug abuse is becoming increasingly complex, including through the use of vapes. This development needs attention as the methods used to consume illicit substances are becoming more varied,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters at the SIRIM Packaging Handover Programme for Selangor Platform (PLATS) entrepreneurs at the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), or MBI, office here yesterday.
Mohd Najwan, who is also the state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship, said youth representatives had submitted proposals calling for greater attention to vape use and related issues as part of efforts to curb substance abuse.
He said although matters involving health and the regulation of such products fell under the federal government's jurisdiction, the Selangor government remained ready to support efforts to prevent drug abuse.
“Yesterday, I also chaired the Selangor State National Youth Consultative Council meeting, where a proposal was raised to ban vape use and related products, making it one of the areas targeted under the state's agenda to regulate their use.
“However, our challenge is that these products remain easily accessible through online platforms. That is why preventive measures must be strengthened, and cooperation among all parties must continue,” he added.
Mohd Najwan said the state government was also working with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) through school monitoring, surprise inspections, awareness programmes and guidance for young people.
On Monday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said 130,307 drug users aged between 15 and 39 had been recorded as of June this year, with the majority having qualifications at Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level or below.
He said Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis had recorded worrying trends in drug use and abuse, with rates exceeding the national ratio of 381 cases per 100,000 people.
