Over 70pct of seized vapes contain drugs, says Health Ministry
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said a total of 96 investigation papers were opened between January 2023 and March this year over vape products that tested positive for banned substances.
"More than 70 per cent of these cases involved vape liquids confirmed to contain synthetic drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines," he told reporters after officiating the World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day events here today.
Also present were Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad.
Lukanisman said the ministry's laboratories are now working closely with the police to further analyse seized samples and trace their source of production.
"We are targeting enforcement at the manufacturing level, including factories and vape liquid producers, to determine the composition of these substances.
"While we've yet to identify the specific producers or origin of the drug-laced vape liquids, our data-gathering efforts are ongoing and will support enforcement under relevant laws, including those under the jurisdiction of the police," he said.
In May, the ministry set up a special committee to monitor the suspected abuse of narcotics through vaping.
Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari had said the ministry was reviewing current enforcement provisions under the newly implemented Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Lukanisman stressed that the issue of drug-laced vape products must not be taken lightly, as it poses a serious threat, particularly to teenagers and unsuspecting consumers.
"We will not allow drug-laced vape products to continue circulating in the market.
"Our next step is to identify the syndicates behind their distribution," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
2 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Rakan KKM: Strategic step for public healthcare
COMMENT | Much has been talked about recently about the Rakan KKM initiative. Many have criticised it, and I have also received a request media to offer my opinion on this hotly discussed topic. In my view, the initiative is a beneficial development for Malaysia's public healthcare system, which falls under the Health Ministry. The concept of offering private services within public institutions is not new; university hospitals have successfully implemented similar models for years without compromising their public service. Therefore, I believe the term "privatisation" is inaccurate; "private wings within a public hospital" more precisely describes this initiative.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
One nurse for 14 patients: MB flags Johor's healthcare worker shortage
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has sounded the alarm over the shortage of healthcare workers in the state, describing the situation as "serious and critical". He said he and Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon recently carried out a spot check at Hospital Sultan Ismail, the second largest specialist hospital in the state. "The reality is very worrying. The shortage of healthcare workers in major hospitals involves various critical categories, including specialist doctors, medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses, and other support staff," he said in a Facebook post. He said the increasing work pressure not only affects the morale of the staff but also impacts the quality of treatment received by patients. "For example, in some wards, a nurse has to manage more than 10 to 14 patients in one shift, compared to an ideal ratio of 1:6 or a maximum of 1:8. This situation is not only unfair to the staff but also unsafe for patients if left unaddressed in the long term." Onn Hafiz said the state was concerned over the situation and would continue to provide support where it could. Additionally, he said the state government will raise the issue with the Health Ministry and related departments. "I will personally appeal for the immediate filling of healthcare positions in Johor without compromise."
New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Kelantan college food poisoning linked to unregistered caterer
KOTA BARU: The food operator suspected of causing food poisoning among students at a private college here was found to be unregistered with the Health Ministry (MOH). State Health Department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said food handlers are required to be registered with the ministry. "The operator had a business licence but was not registered with the MOH. "It is understood that they had only recently started the business. "Action has been taken under Section 18(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988," he said today. He said a seven-day closure notice had been issued to the premises, effective until July 16. Dr Zaini said the food poisoning outbreak involving students of the private college is now under control, with no new reported cases. "So far, we suspect the incident may have been caused by chicken curry, but we are still waiting for laboratory results," he said. It was reported that 427 people, comprising new students, orientation committee members and staff from a private college in Kota Baru, had experienced symptoms of food poisoning on Wednesday. The victims reportedly suffered from stomach pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fever.
