Malaysia Urged to Ban Vapes as Synthetic Drug Abuse Surges
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and mental health experts have demanded an immediate, total ban on vapes in Malaysia. This push follows warnings that e-cigarettes are fueling a youth mental health crisis by acting as a primary vehicle for illicit synthetic drugs.
National Anti-Drug Agency Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh reported that synthetic drugs now drive 73% of the country’s drug abuse cases. Using vapes to inhale these substances is hazardous because users cannot calibrate their chemical intake. This has led to a spike in “dual diagnosis” cases, where drug addiction triggers severe psychiatric disorders in young users.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently warned that vapes laced with ketamine and etomidate pose a severe regional threat. While neighbors like Singapore maintain strict bans, Malaysia remains one of the few ASEAN nations yet to outlaw the devices. Advocates warn that a wait-and-see approach will leave school-aged children vulnerable to addiction and accidental drug exposure.
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