PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has suggested that electronic cigarettes or vapes be completely banned.
His Majesty said that the recommendation came in response to his concerns over the increasing abuse of drugs in Pahang, especially among the youth, based on statistics from the National Anti-Drug Agency.
According to Sinar Harian, Sultan Abdullah added that one of the main causes for young people falling into drug addiction, both directly and indirectly, starts with the use of vapes.
“These vape devices are harmful to health. I will express to the government that vaping should be banned completely. There is no need for further consideration, not only in Malaysia but globally,” said His Majesty.
Sultan Abdullah made these remarks during the 2024 Pahang State Maahad Tahfiz Excellence Award Ceremony at a hotel in Kuantan on Monday (Nov 18).
Also present were Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Earlier, His Majesty presented awards to 52 students from Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang (MTNP) who obtained outstanding results with straight A's in the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
During the event, Sultan Abdullah also presented excellence awards to two MTNP students, Akif Ibrahim, 18, and Nur Amelia Diyana Azman, 18, who achieved 11A's in last year’s SPM.
Based on the National Anti-Drug Agency records, His Majesty mentioned that Pahang ranks as the fifth-highest state in the country with 11,750 drug addicts.
He further noted that 57% of these addicts are young people aged between 15 and 30.
“This is my opportunity to make a statement about my concerns regarding the issue of drugs, especially in schools in Pahang. It is time for parents in this state to step up, regardless of whether their children are involved, and ask for help.
“This is a worrying figure, and if we do not address this issue, the numbers could increase,” His Majesty said.
