An Urgent Call to Combat the Vape and Shisha Epidemic in Malaysia
By Dato G Kumaar Aamaan
In recent years, the rise of vape and shisha culture in Malaysia has transitioned from a popular trend to a public health crisis, creating new concerns for communities and local businesses alike. Areas like Putra Walk in Serdang and the Areca Commercial Area in Nilai have become hotbeds for illegal activities, with unlicensed traders selling vape and shisha products without proper permits. This trend is further exacerbated by the employment of undocumented foreign workers, contributing to a growing sense of unease among local residents and business owners.
Local Business Owners Sound the Alarm
Malay vendors in Serdang, especially those operating traditional warung and eateries, are feeling the pressure from the influx of unlicensed foreign traders. Unlike their competitors, these local entrepreneurs comply with the regulations, paying for permits and adhering to health guidelines. However, they face an uphill battle as unregulated vape and shisha vendors, many of whom are foreign nationals without proper documentation, openly flout the laws. This situation has led to a significant drop in revenue for legal businesses while creating an environment that fosters illegal trade.
Despite repeated appeals to the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), enforcement has been inconsistent, leaving these illegal operations largely unchecked. The local community is now urging the authorities, including YBhg. Dato’ Amirul Azizan of MBSJ, to take firm and decisive action. The plea is simple yet urgent: restore the rule of law and protect our local businesses and youth from the dangers of unregulated substances.
The Hidden Dangers of Vape and Shisha
While vape and shisha are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional tobacco products, the reality is far more sinister. Multiple studies have shown that vaping can serve as a gateway to more dangerous drug use, particularly among teenagers. A study by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that adolescents who vape are significantly more likely to experiment with cannabis and other illicit substances later on. This trend is alarming, as it suggests that the seemingly harmless habit of vaping could be the first step on a dangerous path to substance abuse​
The Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) reported a sharp increase in the number of teenagers experimenting with vape and shisha. Alarmingly, these products often contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals, which can impair brain development and lead to long-term addiction. The survey also found a correlation between vaping and the subsequent use of methamphetamine and heroin, underscoring the need for immediate intervention​
A Threat to Public Health and Safety
The implications of this rising trend extend beyond individual health risks. The availability of vape and shisha in areas like Bandar Nilai, where foreign vendors operate without oversight, has made it easier for students and young adults to access these products. Local colleges, including Inti College, have seen an increase in students using vape and shisha, raising concerns among educators and parents alike. Vape and shisha are not just a recreational pastime—they have become gateways to a lifestyle of substance abuse, threatening the well-being of our youth and the future of our nation.
Data from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) highlights a worrying trend: drug abuse cases have surged by 30% over the past year, with a notable increase in young users. Many of these individuals reportedly began with vaping before transitioning to harder substances. The connection between vaping and increased drug use is clear, and it poses a significant risk to the younger generation, particularly in urban areas like Nilai and Seri Kembangan, where access to these products is prevalent​
Weak Enforcement Fuels the Crisis
Despite the existing legal framework under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 and the Poisons Act 1952, enforcement has been lackluster. Illegal sales of vape and shisha continue unchecked, particularly in commercial areas dominated by undocumented foreign workers. Section 13 of the Poisons Act prohibits the sale of nicotine-containing products without a license, yet these vendors operate openly, often targeting young and vulnerable customers.
The situation calls for a concerted effort from multiple authorities. The Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Immigration Department must collaborate to crack down on illegal traders. Regular raids, stricter permit checks, and heavier fines for violations are necessary steps to curb the proliferation of these dangerous products.
Community and Political Will: A Call to Action
The responsibility to address this crisis does not lie solely with the authorities. Elected representatives like YB Arul Kumar have a crucial role in advocating for stronger enforcement and tighter regulations. His commitment to tackling poverty and homelessness has been commendable, but it is equally important for him to address the growing menace of illegal vape and shisha sales in his constituency. The youth of Nilai, including students from various districts in Negeri Sembilan, have voiced their concerns, urging immediate action to protect their health and future.
At the community level, parents, educators, and local leaders must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of vape and shisha. Educational campaigns in schools and public spaces can help deter young people from experimenting with these substances, emphasizing the risks of addiction and the potential gateway to harder drugs.
The Path Forward: Protecting Our Future
The surge in vape and shisha use is not merely a public health issue; it is a societal crisis that threatens the very fabric of our nation. As a society, we must take a stand against the normalization of these harmful products and demand stricter regulations to protect our youth. The time for action is now.
We need a coordinated effort that involves stricter law enforcement, comprehensive education campaigns, and a commitment from local leaders to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities. Only through such measures can we hope to curb the rise of vape and shisha use and prevent the escalation to more dangerous substances.
In this critical moment, we must choose to safeguard the future of Malaysia’s younger generation, ensuring they grow up in a healthy and safe environment. It is a shared responsibility—one that requires the collective efforts of the government, communities, and every concerned citizen.
Let us act now, before it is too late.
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