Step up efforts to curb vaping scourge among students, says Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: The authorities, especially school administrators, should clamp down on vaping among students, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Alliance For a Safe Community chairman said schools nationwide should organise campaigns to discourage the act.

"We also call on the government to take a serious view of uncontrolled vaping, especially among students," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 4).

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Lee said vaping and vape-related issues are causes of concern for parents, teachers and the education authorities.

"Students in some schools have been found vaping in toilets and unused classrooms.

"In a recent case, six students in a secondary school in Selangor were found vomiting after inhaling vape that they shared.

"Another student was visibly ‘high’ with bloodshot eyes and could not stand or walk properly," he said.

Lee also commended the Education Ministry for taking several measures to address the problem.

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"The measures are to be implemented during school assemblies, alternate classes, group guidance sessions and anti-smoking/vape campaigns, lectures, exhibitions and co-curricular activities," he said.

It is an acknowledged fact that vaping poses significant health risks, especially to young, developing bodies, he added.

"These risks include nicotine addiction, lung damage and exposure to harmful chemicals.

"Vaping can lead to the use of traditional tobacco products, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

"It can also negatively impact academic performance and cause addicts to drop out of school early, placing a burden on parents and society," he said.

School authorities and students could supplement the ministry's efforts in several ways, including empowering students to take a stand against vaping by implementing peer-to-peer programmes, encouraging students who quit vaping to share their stories and experiences with their peers, Lee said.

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"They could also collaborate with celebrities and social media influencers to spread anti-vaping messages by relating their personal inspirational stories.

"Like the Rotary Club, they could organise poster design contests or short film festivals centred on the theme of anti-vaping where students could express their thoughts and feelings," he said.

Since parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitudes and behaviours, they and the students’ guardians should be roped in for informational sessions, he suggested.

"It takes a collective effort from schools, parents, communities and students to combat the habit and create a healthier and productive future for the next generation.

"As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure," he said.