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Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia
Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia

The Sun

time7 days ago

  • Health
  • The Sun

Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia

KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to introduce strict laws prohibiting vape products laced with illegal substances like synthetic drugs. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the growing misuse of vape, particularly among young people, as a serious public health issue. 'Vape was initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, but it has now been exploited for drug abuse and addiction,' he said. Abdul Karim, who also leads the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), stressed the need for urgent legal action following a State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting. He suggested that authorities consider either a complete ban on vape or restrict it to nicotine-based products, similar to regulated tobacco items. 'A blanket ban may not be practical since some users consume vape responsibly. However, if it involves illegal substances like 'magic mushrooms' or synthetic drugs, strict laws must be enforced,' he added. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that Sarawak has the highest vape usage rate among Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17, with 20.3% prevalence, affecting an estimated 39,608 individuals. - Bernama

Cross-agency action needed to tackle Kelantan drug crisis
Cross-agency action needed to tackle Kelantan drug crisis

The Sun

time08-07-2025

  • The Sun

Cross-agency action needed to tackle Kelantan drug crisis

KOTA BHARU: Strategic and coordinated efforts across multiple agencies are urgently needed to address Kelantan's worsening drug abuse crisis, according to the Drug Prevention Association of Malaysia (Pemadam). Zamakhshari Muhamad, Kelantan Pemadam chairman, stressed that tackling the issue cannot rely on a single entity but must involve government bodies and local communities. Kelantan currently ranks third in drug abuse cases nationwide, trailing only Johor and Selangor. Zamakhshari highlighted that the state's drug abuse rate stands at 1,130 cases per 100,000 people, the highest in Malaysia. The recent arrest of a beauty entrepreneur linked to a RM6.16 million methamphetamine seizure further underscores the severity of the problem. The state's border location facilitates drug trafficking, complicating enforcement efforts. Zamakhshari noted that Kelantan police conduct regular operations in high-risk districts and border areas. Meanwhile, agencies are collaborating to develop a more effective action plan. The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) faces growing challenges with new psychoactive substances and rising Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) use among youth. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah emphasized the need for integrated solutions, including education, rehabilitation, and community empowerment. - Bernama

New push to fortify M'sia's borders amid rising security concerns
New push to fortify M'sia's borders amid rising security concerns

The Star

time06-07-2025

  • Politics
  • The Star

New push to fortify M'sia's borders amid rising security concerns

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Malay­sian Border Control and Protec­­­t­ion Agency (AKPS) will be streng­thened through new leadership and a focus on improving border security, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah ( pic ). The Deputy Home Minister said its newly-appointed director-­general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain would lead the agency to address growing border threats. 'AKPS's role is being restructured to meet current challenges, including smuggling and trans­national crimes, and to align with the standards of established border agencies in other countries,' he said. His comments came after a working visit with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and the Malaysian Anti-Drug Associa­tion (Pemadam) on Friday night. Mohd Shuhaily will lead AKPS for a two-year term until June 30, 2027. He succeeded Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali who retired on Feb 10. On a separate matter, Shamsul Anuar also stressed the importance of efficient border management in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026. 'This is a major agenda that we are implementing continuously in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026, to enhance the country's image. 'The Cabinet Committee on Eradicating Drug Abuse, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has previously approved an anti-drug communication plan aimed at raising public awareness until 2027. 'In addition to implementing various awareness programmes that are relevant to current circumstances, I hope the public will always remember that drugs remain the country's number one enemy,' he said. He added that tackling drug abuse must be a joint effort involving the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and politicians. 'The AADK's slogan, 'Drug prevention is a shared responsibility', means it cannot be solely placed on the agency's shoulders if we are serious about solving this problem,' he said. 'If drug abuse is widespread in certain states, it should not be seen as a political issue,' he said. He also urged Pemadam to adopt new approaches to tackle drug abuse, adding that the challenges are becoming increasingly complex, particularly among those aged 15 to 39, who make up 60.2% of cases as of March 31. 'Although these young people differ in age, background, inte­rests and education, they share one thing in common, which is that they are highly susceptible to various influences,' he said.

Revamped border control agency to meet modern-day challenges
Revamped border control agency to meet modern-day challenges

The Star

time05-07-2025

  • Politics
  • The Star

Revamped border control agency to meet modern-day challenges

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency will be strengthened through new leadership and a focus on improving border security, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. The Deputy Home Minister said its newly appointed director-general Datuk Mohd Suhaily Mohd Zain would lead the agency to address growing border threats. He said the agency was being restructured to meet current challenges, including smuggling and trans-national crimes, and to align with the standards of established border agencies in other countries. He said this after a working visit with the National Anti-Drugs Agency and the Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam) on Friday (July 4) night. Mohd Suhaily, will lead the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency for a two-year term until June 30, 2027. He succeeded Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali who retired on Feb 10. Shamsul Anuar also highlighted the importance of efficient border management ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. On a separate matter, he said drug abuse must be addressed collectively by all parties including the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and politicians without politicising the issue. He warned that drug-related problems if not tackled seriously, could affect the progress of developing states such as Johor, and called for Pemadam to adopt new approaches in combating drug abuse, particularly among those aged 15 to 39, who account for 60.2% of cases as of March 31.

Govt urged to impose blanket ban on vape products
Govt urged to impose blanket ban on vape products

The Star

time26-06-2025

  • The Star

Govt urged to impose blanket ban on vape products

KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing on a school rooftop after inhaling a drug-laced vape is just one of many disturbing incidents fuelling renewed calls for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said the growing exploitation of youth, rising public health risks and emerging links to illicit drugs and organised crime require urgent and decisive government action. Its secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may not be feasible due to stock and distribution challenges, the government must begin with a strict prohibition on advertising and promotions. He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which is already in effect, provides a strong legal foundation to enforce restrictions on advertisements, promotions and online sales of vape products, including those containing controlled substances or illicit drugs. He noted that when vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. "In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run," he said at a press conference titled 'Drugs in Vape', held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day, at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) headquarters here on Thursday (June 26). Also present was Hashim Anang, Pemadam media and promotion bureau chairman as well as a member of the National Anti-Drug Council, a non-governmental coalition. Despite growing awareness of vape-related harm, Muhammad Sha'ani said many students continue to smuggle the devices into schools, often hiding them under motorcycle seats along with mobile phones. He cited the case of a Form Two student in Perlis who reportedly became intoxicated after using a so-called "mushroom vape", resulting in a dangerous incident that required police intervention. He added that allowing vape industry players to negotiate regulations would only benefit corporate interests while putting public health, particularly that of the younger generation, at continued risk. Even more alarming, he said, were recent findings by the police showing that some seized vape liquids contained not only nicotine but also illicit drugs. "Malaysia has already committed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, which outlines the eventual phasing out of the tobacco industry. We have declared 2040 as the tobacco endgame. "The same commitment must apply to vape. This is not an ordinary business, it is a growing threat to public health," he stressed. – Bernama

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