SHAH ALAM – An addiction support organisation has called for a nationwide ban on vape products, warning that their growing use among young people is creating serious health and social risks, including nicotine addiction and drug abuse.
The Malaysian Association of Addiction Counselors (Pengasih), led by its president Hafizi Harun, said the proposal to prohibit the sale and use of vape devices is a necessary and decisive step to safeguard public health, especially for children, teenagers and school students.
“Vape use, once marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, has now become increasingly common among youths due to its easy availability, appealing designs and wide range of flavours, as well as the perception that it is less harmful than smoking.
“Vape products are no longer limited to nicotine consumption alone, but are increasingly being misused as a vehicle for illicit substances,” he said in a statement.
Hafizi also said various reports have shown vape liquids being mixed with drugs such as synthetic cannabis, THC and other psychoactive substances, which can lead to addiction, mental health complications, behavioural changes and broader safety concerns.
The organisation added that the discreet nature of vape devices makes them difficult to detect, allowing misuse to spread even among school students.
“From an addiction prevention standpoint, intervention must come early before nicotine dependency and drug-related issues become more widespread among adolescents.
“Banning vape is not solely about regulating nicotine use, but also about shutting down an emerging channel for substance abuse,” Hafizi said.
The group called for the ban to be supported by strong enforcement, continuous public education and coordinated prevention efforts involving schools, parents and communities.
Pengasih also stressed that youth welfare must take priority over commercial interests.
“We have a shared responsibility to ensure that children and teenagers are not exposed to products that can lead to addiction, health harm and drug misuse.
“Early prevention is more effective than dealing with addiction after it has already taken root,” Hafizi emphasised.