By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 23: The Sarawak government will enforce the prohibition of electronic cigarettes or vapes in phases across the State, following the emergence of a worrying new trend where vape liquids are being mixed with prohibited substances such as synthetic drugs.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the move is necessary as the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes has caused increasing harm to public health, with growing evidence that the products are not only addictive but also have physical, psychological, and social consequences.
“The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) and its related regulations would be extended to enforcement officers under local councils to ensure comprehensive enforcement in the State.
“As an interim step before the full ban is enforced, the Sarawak government will continue to implement and support preventive and intervention programmes for individuals struggling with vape addiction,” she told a press conference on measures to be taken in addressing the issue of prevention and treatment of electronic cigarette and vape addiction in Sarawak held at the Ministry’s Office in Baitulmakmur Building on Friday (Aug 22).
Fatimah stressed that the move is crucial as studies and health reports have shown that vape usage can cause adverse effects, including neurotoxic impacts on the brains of adolescents whose cognitive functions are still developing.
Citing recent cases, she highlighted that on June 20 this year, Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department seized 4,958 vape liquid cartridges containing cocaine, estimated to be worth RM7.2 million.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Police’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department recorded nine cases with 15 arrests and seizures amounting to 209.55 millilitres of drug-laced vape liquids since 2023.
In her speech text, she also pointed to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, which revealed Sarawak recorded the highest rate of vape use among teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia, with 39,608 users, indicating a sharp increase from 23,733 in 2017.
“Among those aged 15 and above, the prevalence rose from 4.5 per cent in 2019 to 7.3 per cent in 2023,” she said.
To tackle the issue, Fatimah said her ministry through the Social Development Council (MPS) will intensify advocacy and awareness programmes on the dangers of vaping in collaboration with the Sarawak Health Department, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Ministry of Higher Education, Sarawak Education Department, local authorities, and NGOs such as Pemadam.
She reaffirmed the Sarawak’s commitment to addressing the issue, urging all stakeholders to work together.
“I call on all parties to continue working hand in hand and cooperating to prevent electronic cigarette and vape addiction in Sarawak,” she said. — DayakDaily
