Latest news with #MalaysianDrugPreventionAssociation
The Sun
16-07-2025
- 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
Sinar Daily
26-06-2025
- Sinar Daily
Govt urged to consider total vape ban amid youth abuse, drugs risks
When vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. 26 Jun 2025 08:47pm Photo for illustration purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR - A Form Two student collapsing from 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 (Act 852), 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 told reporters. He was speaking 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 today. 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 Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), 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
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Govt urged to ban vapes amid youth abuse and drug risks in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing after inhaling a drug-laced vape has intensified demands for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) warns that rising youth exploitation and links to organised crime require urgent action. MCTC secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may face logistical hurdles, strict advertising restrictions must be enforced under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). He noted that continued vape promotions mislead the public into thinking the products are harmless. '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 during a press conference at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) headquarters. The event, titled 'Drugs in Vape', coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day. Also present was Hashim Anang, PEMADAM Media and Promotion Bureau chairman. Muhammad Sha'ani highlighted cases of students smuggling vapes into schools, including a Perlis teen who reportedly became intoxicated after using a 'mushroom vape'. Police findings also revealed some seized vape liquids contained illicit drugs alongside nicotine. He stressed that allowing industry players to influence regulations prioritises corporate interests over public health. Malaysia's commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, targeting a tobacco-free nation by 2040, should extend to vaping, he added.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
AADK to tackle rising drug threats in comprehensive approach
KOTA BHARU: The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) is currently facing an increasingly complex drug abuse landscape, marked by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and a significant rise in the abuse of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) among teenagers and youth. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this growing challenge demands a comprehensive and integrated strategy, covering aspects such as education, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and the empowerment of local communities. 'The latest statistics up to March 2025 show that a total of 108,409 drug or substance abusers and addicts were detected nationwide, which is a decrease of 10.5 per cent compared to 121,170 cases for the corresponding period in 2024. 'In Kelantan, the data shows a decrease of 5.4 per cent, which is 11,280 people compared to 11,928 drug and substance abusers and addicts for the same period the previous year,' he told a press conference after a programme with AADK and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), here, last night. Shamsul Anuar said the drug and substance abuse rate in Kelantan stood at 597 per 100,000 residents, down from 632 people for the corresponding period last year. According to him, the primary category of drug abuse in Kelantan remains ATS, accounting for 89.3 per cent or 10,071 individuals as of March 2025. The second highest category is Opiate, comprising 6.8 per cent of the total amount of drug and substance abuse in the state. Shamsul Anuar said this trend reflects the outcome of targeted and extensive preventive measures by AADK, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including efforts to seal off illegal smuggling routes, commonly known as 'rat holes', particularly along the country's border areas in Kelantan. 'This data indicates positive developments for the first quarter of this year. However, we must not become complacent as it is still too early to assume that the drug and substance abuse situation is fully under control,' he said. Shamsul Anuar stressed that the issue of drug abuse is no longer an ordinary threat but has escalated into an increasingly critical social and public health crisis. He said that in today's fast-evolving world, new challenges continue to surface, from easier access to illicit substances to the influence of social media, which is gradually reshaping public perceptions about the dangers of drug abuse. 'The youth, who should be the backbone of the country's development, are now increasingly exposed to and trapped in the destructive cycle of drug abuse,' he said. In this regard, he emphasised that enforcement and preventive measures would continue to be intensified to ensure that the issue is addressed comprehensively and effectively. Shamsul Anuar said that to realise this goal, strategic collaboration with all stakeholders, including the state government, educational institutions, community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially Pemadam, would continue to be enhanced. 'AADK is also committed to strengthening the role of Pemadam, recognising its great potential as a powerful community voice capable of mobilising grassroots efforts to reject the drug threat from the grassroots level jointly. 'I believe that the existing synergy between AADK and Pemadam can be further strengthened through various strategic initiatives. With fresher, community-driven approaches, these partnerships can complement drug prevention and rehabilitation programmes, especially in the community,' he said. He also emphasised that every step taken must be guided by reliable data, scientific methods, and strategic frameworks developed by AADK to ensure that all initiatives are not carried out on an ad hoc basis, but are well-structured and capable of delivering long-term, sustainable impact. Last June 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the problem of drug and vaping abuse among youth, especially Malay youth. He reportedly said the situation was worsening and required a comprehensive solution involving various approaches, including counselling and dakwah.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Rising complexity in drug threats demands comprehensive, integrated approach from AADK
KOTA BHARU: T he National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) is currently facing an increasingly complex drug abuse landscape, marked by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and a significant rise in the abuse of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) among teenagers and youth. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this growing challenge demands a comprehensive and integrated strategy, covering aspects such as education, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and the empowerment of local communities. 'The latest statistics up to March 2025 show that a total of 108,409 drug or substance abusers and addicts were detected nationwide, which is a decrease of 10.5 per cent compared to 121,170 cases for the corresponding period in 2024. 'In Kelantan, the data shows a decrease of 5.4 per cent, which is 11,280 people compared to 11,928 drug and substance abusers and addicts for the same period the previous year,' he told a press conference after a programme with AADK and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), here, last night. Shamsul Anuar said the drug and substance abuse rate in Kelantan stood at 597 per 100,000 residents, down from 632 people for the corresponding period last year. According to him, the primary category of drug abuse in Kelantan remains ATS, accounting for 89.3 per cent or 10,071 individuals as of March 2025. The second highest category is Opiate, comprising 6.8 per cent of the total amount of drug and substance abuse in the state. Shamsul Anuar said this trend reflects the outcome of targeted and extensive preventive measures by AADK, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including efforts to seal off illegal smuggling routes, commonly known as 'rat holes', particularly along the country's border areas in Kelantan. 'This data indicates positive developments for the first quarter of this year. However, we must not become complacent as it is still too early to assume that the drug and substance abuse situation is fully under control,' he said. Shamsul Anuar stressed that the issue of drug abuse is no longer an ordinary threat but has escalated into an increasingly critical social and public health crisis. He said that in today's fast-evolving world, new challenges continue to surface, from easier access to illicit substances to the influence of social media, which is gradually reshaping public perceptions about the dangers of drug abuse. 'The youth, who should be the backbone of the country's development, are now increasingly exposed to and trapped in the destructive cycle of drug abuse,' he said. In this regard, he emphasised that enforcement and preventive measures would continue to be intensified to ensure that the issue is addressed comprehensively and effectively. Shamsul Anuar said that to realise this goal, strategic collaboration with all stakeholders, including the state government, educational institutions, community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially Pemadam, would continue to be enhanced. 'AADK is also committed to strengthening the role of Pemadam, recognising its great potential as a powerful community voice capable of mobilising grassroots efforts to reject the drug threat from the grassroots level jointly. 'I believe that the existing synergy between AADK and Pemadam can be further strengthened through various strategic initiatives. With fresher, community-driven approaches, these partnerships can complement drug prevention and rehabilitation programmes, especially in the community,' he said. He also emphasised that every step taken must be guided by reliable data, scientific methods, and strategic frameworks developed by AADK to ensure that all initiatives are not carried out on an ad hoc basis, but are well-structured and capable of delivering long-term, sustainable impact. Last June 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the problem of drug and vaping abuse among youth, especially Malay youth. He reportedly said the situation was worsening and required a comprehensive solution involving various approaches, including counselling and dakwah.
