Malaysian Deputy Chief of Police calls for ban on e-cigarettes

Apr.18

Malaysia's Deputy Chief of Police Urges States to Ban E-cigarette Sales to Prevent Synthetic Drug Abuse.

Key points:

The Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Malaysian Police has urged state governments to actively prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes in order to curb the trend of using them as a carrier for synthetic drugs.

He pointed out that 65% of e-cigarette products contain prohibited substances, with some users as young as 13 years old, posing more harm than traditional cigarettes.

He plans to apply to the government for 80 million Malaysian Ringgit (18 million US dollars) to enhance the equipment and capabilities for detecting new types of drugs.

According to Bernama on April 17, Malaysian Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay stated that state governments can take measures to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes, which are being increasingly used as tools to create new synthetic drugs.

The sheriff stated that some state governments have already taken the lead in banning the sale of e-cigarettes, with positive results. He urged other states to follow suit while waiting for the federal government to enact related laws in order to curb this threat.

Ayob stated that e-cigarettes are more harmful than traditional cigarettes, with 65% of e-cigarette products containing banned substances. The latest research shows that in Kelantan state, the youngest age of e-cigarette users is only 13 years old. The study also indicates that 31% of respondents frequently use e-cigarettes, with 7% using them regularly, and 76% of people know someone who uses e-cigarettes.

He stated that his political party will be applying to the Ministry of Home Affairs for a funding of 80 million Ringgit (18 million USD) to acquire new equipment in order to enhance their ability to detect new types of drugs.

References:

[1] Negeri Boleh Haramkan Penjualan Vape, Banteras Penyalahgunaan Dadah

Also Read:

[1] Malaysia Health Ministry Warns Shops Violating Tobacco Display Ban

[2] Malaysia to impose tobacco display ban in multiple states

[3] Malaysian Students Face Punishment for Repeated Use of E-cigarettes

[4] Rising Concerns Over Youth E-Cigarette Use in Penang

[5] Malaysia cracks down on e-cigarette products containing illicit substances

[6] Regulating E-cigarette Sales: The Importance of Control and Support

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