KUCHING: The growing misuse of vapes among school students in Sarawak has sparked serious concern, prompting urgent calls for federal legislation to curb the trend.
The Chairman of Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, revealed that over 20,000 students nationwide have been detected using vapes, with some cases involving the mixing of vape liquids with stimulants and hallucinogens.
Abdul Karim said this trend marks a shift in how addiction begins, not with conventional drugs or cigarettes, but through misused vaping products.
“Vape is no longer just tobacco or strawberry flavour. It’s now being mixed with substances that cause extreme hallucination and addiction.
“This must be stopped immediately,” he stressed at a press conference after chairing the Sarawak State Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) Meeting No. 1/2025 here today.
As Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Abdul Karim called on the federal government to enact specific legislation banning vapes containing illegal substances.
He warned that while many students begin with seemingly harmless flavoured vape products, this behaviour could become a gateway to dangerous drug addiction.
According to recent data shared during the MTMD meeting, around 20,000 school students nationwide have been reported to be involved in vaping as of 2024.
While some may only be using regular flavours like peach or menthol, the growing misuse of vape as a tool for drug intake is a serious concern.
“What worries us is how vape is being used to consume synthetic drugs or substances like mushrooms that induce hallucinations.
“These cases are growing,” he said, reiterating that current enforcement efforts are limited without strong legal backing.
He emphasised the need for a Parliament-level ruling to classify the usage of a drug-laced vape as a criminal offence.
“We need firm and enforceable laws. Without this, those distributing or using drug-laced vapes will continue to exploit legal loopholes,” he stressed.
He added that while total prohibition of vapes may not be practical or fair to legitimate users, a targeted ban on vape products containing illicit substances is urgent and necessary.
