KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government is waiting for a detailed report from the state Education Department regarding claims of secondary school students using vapes containing “magic mushroom” liquid.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said his office contacted the department last week to confirm the number of students involved and find ways to stop the problem from spreading.
He said the Kelantan Islamic Foundation school administration was also asked to investigate.
"This is a new issue. Some students may not realise that these vapes are prohibited, and parents struggle to detect their presence,” he told reporters after the 2023 Excellence Awards Ceremony at the YIK Main Hall, Bandar Baru Tunjung, here on Sunday (July 14).
Mohamed Fadzli said the state’s special task force would also discuss the matter.
On July 9, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat that a study conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital involving 152 students in Kelantan found that 65% of them had used vapes mixed with ‘magic mushroom’ liquid, which is a drug.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Fadzli said the state government has allocated over RM8mil through the Kelantan Government Incentive Award since 2006, which has benefited 16,388 students.
"Students who excel in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia and Sijil Menengah Ugama examinations are eligible for a cash award of RM500.
"This incentive is not limited to Kelantanese students within the state but is also available for those studying outside Kelantan. We hope this incentive will motivate them to continue striving for excellence,” he said. – Bernama
