No more vape licence renewals in Kedah's war on synthetic drugs

New Straits Times

14-05-2025

ALOR STAR: The Kedah state government will not renew any business licences for vape or electronic cigarette retailers due to expire this year, as part of a stricter policy aimed at curbing the growing threat of synthetic drug abuse.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the misuse of synthetic drugs through vape products had become a serious concern, with illicit substances easily mixed into vape liquids and widely distributed — including among school students.
"Vape has become a new medium for drug distribution. A single drop of narcotics can be added to vape liquid, costing only RM10 and shared among up to 10 individuals. It's far more dangerous than traditional methods such as rolling cannabis into cigarettes or injecting drugs.
"What is even more alarming is that these liquid drugs can be purchased online and are difficult to detect. That's why we've decided not to renew any vape licences that expire at the end of this year, and no new licences will be issued," he said at a press conference following the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Earlier today, neighbouring state Perlis announced a complete ban on the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes, effective Aug 1, citing escalating health concerns related to vaping.
Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli urged traders currently engaged in the vape business to begin transitioning to industries that do not involve substances or devices deemed harmful to health.
Commenting further, Sanusi said the matter was among the key issues raised during the state-level Anti-Drug Action Council meeting, which he chaired yesterday.
Describing drug abuse as a "disease and a societal cancer", he said that the problem would become increasingly difficult to manage if decisive action was not taken immediately.
To that end, he said the Kedah state government aimed at banning the sale of vape products and related items, including at convenience stores and retail outlets, by next year.
"We want to turn over a new leaf next year. There's little point in celebrating economic growth if society is deteriorating. It's better to forgo minor profits if the damage outweighs the benefits," he stressed.
Sanusi said that drug abuse not only destroys individuals, but also undermines families and communities, with many addicts resorting to theft to fund their addiction.
He said that Kedah currently ranked among the states with the highest rates of drug abuse in Malaysia, with more than 12,000 individuals identified as addicts within a population of 2.21 million.
"Pendang is among the worst-affected districts, although part of the data reflects the number of private rehabilitation centres located there. Regardless, it's a serious indicator of how urgent and comprehensive our response must be," he said.
Sanusi also called on teachers and school administrators to report any signs of drug abuse among students, urging them not to conceal such issues.
"Don't hide the problem. If we avoid conducting urine tests for fear of damaging the school's image, how are we supposed to intervene? It's better to detect the issue early and provide treatment than to wait until it becomes unmanageable," he said.
Sanusi commended the commitment of all stakeholders — including government agencies, local councils, police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), and the wider community — in tackling the drug problem holistically.
He said that the state government would strengthen anti-drug efforts at the district level through coordinated action by committees led by district officers, supported by district police chiefs and AADK personnel.