15-07-2025
Two million M'sians at risk: CAP wants action against drug-laced vapes
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged members of parliament to take decisive action against the rising crisis of drug-laced vape liquids.
The association warned that nearly two million Malaysian vapers — many of them unwitting youth — are at serious risk.
CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow, in lauding today's New Straits Times leader column, told MPs and health officials to "read it multiple times" to grasp the gravity of a worsening drug-vape crisis.
"Lawmakers can no longer feign ignorance, as mounting evidence from enforcement agencies paints a stark picture," he told the NST.
According to the federal police Narcotic Criminal Investigation Department, 65 per cent of vape liquids seized in 2023 contained MDMA or synthetic cannabinoid ADB‑Butinaca.
Subbarow warned that thousands of children, and millions of adults, might be inhaling potent psychoactive substances unknowingly.
He said teachers had reported disturbing cases of Form Three students behaving like "zombies" after using drug-stimulant vapes.
He said some children preferred "mushroom"-flavoured vapes, specifically engineered to deliver more than simple nicotine hits.
"At least one teenage fatality and over 111 poisoning cases had been admitted to intensive care units nationwide.
"Many more may be suffering without proper medical diagnosis, he added, taking to task the Health Ministry and several state governments of delaying urgent action in favour of prolonged studies," he added.
Subbarow questioned why Malaysian authorities continued to prioritise approximately 306 vape traders over the welfare of millions of young vapers.
"The Health Ministry is complicit in the poisoning and addiction of children.
"As such, we are calling on the government to declare a total ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, while strengthening enforcement and seizure laws to deter illicit vape vendors.
"We also call for a nationwide awareness and education programmes in schools. Cease delay tactics and act immediately to protect youths.
"Banning vape products will not kill any traders but failure to act could cost more young lives," he said.
Subbarow also warned MPs not to pawn our children's lives.
"Act now before another tragedy strikes," he said.
