KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — The Alliance for a Safe Community (IKATAN) has expressed concern over the rising prevalence of vaping among schoolchildren and teenagers, warning that it has become a public health threat that requires urgent and coordinated action.
Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said what was once regarded as a smoking cessation tool for adults has evolved into a dangerous trend among young people, exposing them to early nicotine addiction and serious health risks.
Attractive packaging, flavoured products, aggressive online marketing, and easy access have contributed to the growing popularity of vaping among students.
“More worrying is the emergence of illicit vape products containing harmful substances that can have serious effects on both physical and mental health,” he said in a statement today.
Lee emphasised that the issue should not be viewed solely as a disciplinary problem but as a wider public health concern and called for a whole-of-society approach involving parents, schools, health authorities, enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the media.
To address the problem, he proposed stricter enforcement against the sale of vape products to minors and regular inspections around schools and educational institutions.
Lee also urged tighter controls on online sales and advertisements targeting young people, alongside stronger education and awareness campaigns on the dangers of vaping.
In addition, parents should be more vigilant about their children's activities and peer influence, while counselling and support services should be made available for students who have developed nicotine dependence.
Schools must remain vape-free zones, and students caught vaping should be guided through counselling and rehabilitation programmes rather than being punished alone.
“The future of our nation depends on the health and well-being of our younger generation. We must act decisively now to prevent vaping from becoming a bigger public health crisis among Malaysian youth,” he said.
