KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 ― Drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine and ketum juice have been found in vape liquids sold in Johor, the government said amid a crackdown on vape businesses that sell nicotine products.
Local daily Berita Harian reported today Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat as saying that the information was obtained by enforcement agencies, including the National Anti-drug Agency (AADK) and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam).
“The Johor Health Department has received early information from AADK and Pemadam Johor on the increased occurrence of flavoured vape liquids being mixed with drugs, including methamphetamines, cannabis and ketum juice at sales premises in this state,” Ayub was quoted saying at Batu Pahat yesterday.
“This is a worrying situation when vaping or electronic cigarettes are abused to take drugs instead. It’s a rather scary development, especially for the young people in the state who may be exposed to drug addiction,” he added.
The Health Ministry recently raided vape shops and confiscated nicotine products.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam has said that the ministry is empowered to do so under the 1952 Poisons Act and 1983 Food Act, as vape shops are currently not licensed to sell any products which contain nicotine.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya, however, admitted yesterday that the government raids were rather “drastic” and said vape sellers will be given a chance to acquire licenses.
While the health risks of smoking are well established, the dangers involved in using e-cigarettes have not been conclusively determined. Malaysia is purportedly the world’s second largest market for vaping after the United States, with sales estimated at RM2.84 billion last year.
