‘Looking at this feels similar to the situation in the US where people are getting addicted to drugs. Dealers become richer while ordinary people become poorer and more ruined’
A viral video allegedly showing a young man behaving unusually in a public area has triggered concern among Malaysians, with many social media users linking the incident to alleged mushroom vape abuse among youths.
The video, shared on Threads by user @abang_baju_kuning, quickly gained traction online after the individual questioned how such substances could allegedly be sold openly.
“The younger generation is becoming ruined now. ‘Piu piu’, mushroom and all that… how can things like this be sold freely in shops?” the user wrote in the post.
The clip prompted a flood of reactions, with many users expressing concern over what they believe is a growing trend involving mushroom-based vape products and drawing comparisons with drug-related issues in other countries.
One user, identified as laimm88, claimed the behaviour resembled the effects of substances often associated with drug abuse cases in the United States.
“This looked like the drugs that make people become zombies in the US. Fentanyl, Xylazine and all the variants. Is this already in Malaysia? Scary,” the user wrote.
Another user, wan_nur_fatimah_irdina, also voiced concerns over the possible social impact.
“Looking at this feels similar to the situation in the US where people are getting addicted to drugs. Dealers become richer while ordinary people become poorer and more ruined,” the user commented.
Others also called for tighter enforcement and stricter regulation of vape products.
“Please ban vapes in Malaysia. It’s sad seeing young people nowadays,” user nazifahalim wrote.
Meanwhile, another commenter questioned whether enforcement action was being taken.
“Are there no arrests for things like this? If it involves drugs, people get arrested immediately. This is already so obvious,” wrote akuapitzul_.
Some users, however, disputed claims that such products were being sold through legitimate vape retailers, arguing that illicit substances should not be conflated with legally sold vape products.
“Vape shops do not sell mushroom flavours. They buy it from dealers or friends. A 2ml bottle can cost around RM150 to RM200. Because of people like this, normal vape users get affected too,” one user claimed.
Another commenter said licensed vape outlets generally sell products that comply with regulations and tax requirements.
“Licensed vape shops sell products with Health Ministry certification and customs duty paid. Do you really think they openly sell drugs? Drug cases existed long before vapes became popular,” the user wrote.
Others criticised individuals allegedly using such substances openly in public spaces.
“What’s strange is they’re doing it openly in public areas. Can’t you do it alone instead of disturbing society?” one commenter wrote.
The claims made by social media users regarding the substance involved in the video have not been independently verified and the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.