KUALA LUMPUR: Stakeholders have been urged to work together and take stern action to help tackle the sale and use of vape and vape-like “ghost smoke” candy among children and students.
This was needed as the problem cannot be solved by any of the agency on its own, said Malaysia Crime, Prevention Foundation (MCPF), Senior Vice-chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He added that the relevant authorities must also act fast to stop the sale of these items to children while the schools must monitor and conduct awareness campaigns on the danger of vape and similar products such as “ghost smoke” candy.
“Although it was reported that some vape fluids and the smoke of such candy do not contain harmful substances such as nicotine, no one can guarantee that they can never be adulterated with illegal substances such as drugs.
“Parents should not shirk their responsibility and leave it to the school or the authorities to monitor their children. They must always supervise their children to ensure that they are not involved with vape or ‘ghost smoke’ candy,” he said in a statement.
It was reported that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minsiter (KPDNHEP) had seized various types of “ghost smoke” candy throughout the country while the Health Ministry will take stern action against those who distribute and sell the candy if nicotine was found in it.
“We need to keep in mind that there is a possibility that children who use vape or ‘ghost smoke’ candy will eventually smoke cigarettes and take drugs.
“Most of those involved in smoking and drug abuse often started out of curiosity or just did it for fun with their friends,” Lee said.
He expressed hope that a new bill on the control of the use of electronic cigarettes, or vape, and sisha could be tabled in Parliament as soon as possible.
“It should also take into account similar substances which could influence children including ‘ghost smoke’ candy and other types of products that may be introduced by irresponsible parties in the future.”
Lee added that the authorities must always be several steps ahead of the culprits as the latter always evolve over time and exploit technology advancement.
“The absence of specific laws has hampered enforcement aspect and therefore, the special committee that was recently established to tackle the issue and the proposed law needs to find the best way to control the use of vape, sisha and electronic cigarettes including banning their sale among students and children.”
It was reported that 90 per cent of the vape fluids contain nicotine that can cause addiction.
“If there is a special prohibition under the law, it will make it easier to prevent the purchase and use of vape and similar products,” Lee said.
The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) had recently called for the government to immediately ban the sale of vape especially to the youth.
The call was made following reports of vape liquids being laced with drugs and many people believing that vape cartridges only contain nicotine that causes addiction but without tar or carbon monoxide that cause cancer.