By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, July 16: The Sarawak government has affirmed its support for banning the sale and use of vape in the State, following alarming findings that Sarawak recorded the highest rate of vape use among adolescents aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia.
Citing the data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah warned that this worrying phenomenon could serve as a gateway to more serious drug abuse in Sarawak.
According to the survey, Sarawak recorded the highest prevalence of adolescent vaping in the country at 20.3 per cent, accounting for approximately 39,608 teenagers.
“The spread of vaping has gone unchecked and is raising serious health and safety concerns. While drug and substance abuse is already a major global and national issue, we are now seeing a disturbing surge in vape use among our youth,” he said after chairing the Sarawak Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) meeting today.
He further warned that the issue extends beyond nicotine, as there is a growing presence of vape liquids laced with illicit drugs.
“Initially, people smoked cigarettes and switched to vape thinking it was a safer alternative, mostly flavoured with fruit or food essences. But now, there are drug-laced vapes being circulated and designed to hook users, making them especially appealing to youths,” he said.
It was also reported that approximately 20,000 school-going students nationwide were addicted to vaping in 2024.
Abdul Karim stressed that Sarawak, together with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and other enforcement agencies, is intensifying efforts to combat this growing threat.
He reiterated Sarawak’s firm support for banning the sale and use of vape in the State but stressed that to impose a total ban, there must be a Bill passed in Parliament to make vaping an offence by law.
“We need integrated efforts and immediate, aggressive action to protect Sarawakian youth from addiction and social decay,” he stressed.
The MTMD meeting ended with unanimous agreement among all attendees to stand in solidarity in calling for a total ban on vape in Sarawak.
At the same time, Abdul Karim expressed grave concern over the rising rates of drug and substance abuse among teenagers and youth in Sarawak.
As of March 31, 2025, official data showed a 51.4 per cent increase in drug addiction cases compared to the previous year.
“In just the first quarter of 2025, we recorded 6,151 drug addicts, of which 93 per cent of are male. Even more worrying, 98 per cent of those involved in drug abuse are aged between 15 and 39.
“This shows that the very group we count on to be the State’s future is the most vulnerable to these dangers,” Abdul Karim lamented.
He called for stronger strategic collaboration between MTMD and AADK, especially in the implementation of educational prevention programmes, such as Drug-Free Workplace initiatives and voluntary referrals for treatment and rehabilitation.
Abdul Karim also urged all MTMD members to take a more proactive role in assisting AADK clients, particularly in providing social support, employment opportunities, community rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
“A comprehensive, holistic approach is crucial to ensure every affected individual has the opportunity to fully recover and build a better life,” he said. — DayakDaily
