Latest news with #KelvinYii
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
MP urges government to list etomidate as dangerous drug
KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher has called on the government to list etomidate under the Poisons Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act, following reports of the drug being fatal in Singapore. Bandar Kuching member of parliament Dr Kelvin Yii said etomidate is an intravenous anaesthetic drug that has been misused as a recreational substance through vape products, often marketed as Kpods. "This is not just a theory or speculation. We are witnessing the harsh reality where this drug has already claimed lives in our neighbouring country, Singapore. "If Malaysia does not act swiftly and firmly, we too may face preventable deaths, especially among our youth. "Etomidate is an intravenous anaesthetic drug, but it has been misused as a recreational substance. It is not safe. There is a risk of sudden death when inhaling etomidate," he said during his debate on the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025. He said users may suffer severe respiratory distress, sudden unconsciousness, injury, and adrenal crisis, which affects the body's ability to produce stress hormones like cortisol for several days. "This can cause dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure." Yii said Kpods, which often contain this substance, are heavily marketed to young people. He added that Singapore has listed etomidate under its Poisons Act and has gone a step further to upgrade its classification to a dangerous drug. "I believe we should learn from this and not wait until our children are affected or lives are lost. "I call on the government to classify etomidate as a dangerous drug. "I believe the Health Ministry, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, and the Home Ministry must ensure that both the Poisons Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act are amended to explicitly regulate etomidate as an illegal substance, with penalties that reflect its serious harm to our children. "We must also enforce existing vape laws more strictly. This includes increasing inspections and raids against illegal vape distributors and considering stricter controls over vape liquids and devices," he said. He also urged the government to enhance Malaysia's capabilities in detection and forensic analysis. He said immediate funding should be allocated to the Chemistry Department, the police forensic unit, and relevant laboratories to acquire specialised equipment such as GC-MS/MS, and to develop validated testing protocols for detecting etomidate in vape liquids and biological samples like urine and blood. "I also urge the Health Ministry to issue strong warnings and implement aggressive public education campaigns. "We need a national campaign to ensure that our children understand the dangers of this poison. "There should also be messaging that Kpods can stop your breathing and kill you instantly. Etomidate is not a toy. These Kpods are not toys. I believe this campaign must continue and be targeted at both parents and children," he said. Last week, it was reported that Singapore is working to list etomidate as a Class C drug under its Misuse of Drugs Act. Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung was quoted in a report published by CNA as saying that authorities had randomly tested more than 100 seized vape devices, and one-third were found to contain etomidate. Ong also noted that there have been deaths including from traffic accidents and unnatural causes in which etomidate was implicated, with investigations still ongoing.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Over RM190,000 allocated to CHPS No 1 for facility upgrades
Dr Yii (fifth right) presents a mock cheque to the representatives of CHPS No 1. KUCHING (July 25): Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has approved RM196,964 for Chung Hua Primary School (CHPS) No 1, meant for several upgrading projects aimed at improving the school's learning environment. According to the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker, the funding is intended to enhance the school's physical infrastructure, providing both pupils and teachers with a safer, more comfortable, and inspiring space for teaching and learning. 'Education is the most worthwhile investment for the future. We have both the responsibility and the duty to create better learning spaces for the next generation. Whether it's in terms of teaching equipment, school safety or student well-being, we must continue to improve,' he said in a statement today. Dr Yii said part of the allocation would be used to install stage lighting and a sound system in the school hall to support extracurricular activities, performances, and school assemblies. In addition, the school would purchase new furniture to replace outdated items. 'To address issues caused by excessive heat and sun exposure, the school will also install sun louvres to help reduce indoor temperatures,' said the MP. Most critically, he pointed out, the funding would cover repair works on the roof and ceiling – the measures deemed necessary to ensure structural safety and also to prevent problems caused by leakages or ageing infrastructure. Dr Yii hoped that the upgrading works could be completed as soon as possible, so that both teachers and pupils could benefit without delay. He added: 'We aim not only to enhance urban schools, but also to gradually improve facilities in rural, under-served schools. 'Every child, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education.' allocation Chung Hua Primary School No.1 Kelvin Yii upgrading projects
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol. 3 rolls into CityOne Megamall this Sunday
File photo of last year's Apoclaypse Auto Show at CityOne basement car park. KUCHING (July 18): Car enthusiasts and the general public are invited to the highly anticipated Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol. 3, happening this Sunday (July 20) from 9am to 10pm at the CityOne Megamall basement car park here. Organised by the Apoclaypse Car Club of Kuching, the annual event is free and open to all. 'This is our annual signature event, and we are excited to welcome all car lovers and members of the public to join us for a full day of automotive excitement and to experience the vibrant car modification culture in Kuching,' said the club in a statement. To accommodate setup, vehicle loading will take place on July 19 from 10pm to 12am. All participants are urged to arrive punctually and follow directions from event staff. The show promises a diverse showcase of modified vehicles from across the region, drawing attention from car enthusiasts near and far. Highlights include a lucky draw with prizes such as car accessories and audio systems. Tickets will be sold at RM10 each at the organiser's booth. Limited edition event stickers will also be available at RM5 each. In the spirit of giving back, the club announced that 30 per cent of proceeds from ticket and sticker sales will be donated to charity. 'The donation is part of our initiative to give back to the community. Photos and updates will be posted on our official Facebook page to ensure transparency and public trust,' the club said. The event is supported by various sponsors, including Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, East Ocean Auto Trading Sdn Bhd, Wrapperz Graphic Design, Carlife Automobile Accessories, Deelong Car Accessories, STY Exhaust, Oscar Tinted & Accessories, Sky World Advertising & Design, 998 Auto Parts, and Lemon House. Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol. 3 cityone megamall Kuching lead
Malay Mail
26-06-2025
- Malay Mail
‘This grief must not be in vain': Bandar Kuching MP urges campus security overhaul after student's death in Cyberjaya
KUCHING, June 26 — The tragic death of a female tertiary student from Kuching in her Cyberjaya dormitory must be investigated immediately, thoroughly, and transparently, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii. The Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said the suspected murder case must lead to changes in safety protocols. 'This incident must serve as a wake-up call to both educational institutions and authorities responsible for student welfare,' he said in a statement today. Yii urged the Ministry of Higher Education to review and strengthen existing safety protocols and work closely with all educational institutions to enhance security measures for student accommodations nationwide. 'For years, there were repeated warnings regarding the lack of proper security systems for the students, from broken CCTVs to dark walkways, which were all ignored and not addressed. 'The heinous crime that followed paints the outcome of a failed system to protect the safety of the students, which should have always been the priority of any educational institution,' he stated. Yii called on educational institutions and hostel managements to take proactive steps to ensure all students are provided with a safe living environment, including secure dorm access, functioning CCTV systems, emergency reporting systems, and close coordination with local police. He emphasised that campus safety cannot be treated as an afterthought or a box-ticking exercise, adding the safety of students must be embedded as a core institutional responsibility. 'Prevention must take priority, necessary improvements must be made without waiting for another tragedy to occur,' he said. He stressed the full weight of the law must be applied without delay, and those responsible held fully accountable, adding the public deserve to know the truth, and most importantly, the deceased's family deserves justice and closure. No family should have to endure such devastating loss, especially under such horrifying and suspicious circumstances, he said. 'Beyond justice for this young girl, this grief that we are witnessing now must not be in vain. We must ensure that this loss leads to real, systemic change, so that no other student and no other family have to go through what this bright young woman and her loved ones are experiencing,' he said. Yii called for a clear signal to be sent that such heinous acts will not be tolerated and justice must be delivered swiftly and fairly. 'May her soul rest in peace, and may her family find strength in this time of unimaginable grief.' — The Borneo Post
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- New Straits Times
MP calls for stronger safety protocols after student murder in Cyberjaya
KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher has urged the Higher Education Ministry to review and strengthen existing safety protocols to enhance security measures at student accommodations nationwide. Bandar Kuching member of parliament Dr Kelvin Yii, in a statement today, said the incident involving a female student who was murdered in her dormitory room in Cyberjaya has raised serious concerns about student safety, particularly for those living far from home. "I urge the ministry to review and strengthen existing safety protocols and work closely with all educational institutions to enhance their security measures at student accommodations nationwide. "This incident must serve as a wake-up call to both educational institutions and authorities responsible for student welfare. "Police and all relevant authorities must conduct an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic death of the student from Kuching," he said. He said educational institutions and hostel management must also take proactive steps to ensure that all students are provided with a safe living environment, including secure dorm access, functioning CCTV, emergency reporting systems, and close coordination with local police. "The heinous crime that followed paints the outcome of a failed system to protect the safety of the students, which should have always been the priority of any educational institution. "Campus safety cannot be treated as an afterthought or a box-ticking exercise. "The safety of students must be embedded as a core institutional responsibility. "Prevention must take priority and necessary improvements must be made without waiting for another tragedy to occur," he said. It was reported that a 20-year-old university student was found dead in her condominium unit here on Tuesday morning. The case is now being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. Those with information of the case can contact investigating officer ASP Mohd Husny Hussien at 012-930 7860, or go to the nearest police station.
