SHAH ALAM, June 18 — The Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) has called for stronger enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) to ensure efforts to curb vape use and drug abuse can be carried out more effectively.
Its Family and Community Development Bureau chairman Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar said the measure is crucial amid the growing use of vape products, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
"From the perspective of drug prevention and public health, the more important matter at this time is to ensure that all efforts to curb vape use and the abuse of prohibited substances continue to be strengthened through the consistent enforcement of Act 852.
"The increasingly widespread use of vape, particularly among teenagers and young adults, requires serious attention from all parties," she said in a statement.
Jamelah added that findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey showed the use of electronic cigarettes and vape products among individuals aged 15 and above rose from 0.8 per cent in 2011 to 5.8 per cent in 2023.
This increase has raised concerns over addiction risks and the long-term impact on public health.
"More worrying, there are reports of vape misuse involving the mixing of psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs, which can cause serious addiction, mental health disorders, and the risk of death.
"Vape is no longer merely a nicotine issue, but has the potential to become a medium for the abuse of prohibited substances that is more complex and dangerous," she said.
Moreover, Jamelah emphasised that controls on access to and sales of vape products must be strengthened, particularly through digital platforms that are easily accessible to young people.
"Stricter action must be taken against the online sale of vape products, including through social media, e-commerce platforms, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
"Monitoring of vape product contents must also be enhanced to ensure that prohibited substances or synthetic drugs are not being misused through such products," she said.
Jamelah also urged the authorities to more effectively curb vape promotions and advertising targeted at younger audiences.
Tackling the vape threat requires cooperation among all stakeholders, including the Health Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, educational institutions, parents, and the wider community.
"Act 852 has provided a strong legal foundation to regulate smoking products, including vapes. The priority now is to ensure its enforcement is continuously strengthened.
"The threat of vape and drug abuse cannot be taken lightly because preventive action today will determine the safety and well-being of the younger generation in the future," she said.
