PETALING JAYA: The government should consider banning electronic cigarettes or vapes completely, says Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (pic).
His Majesty said the recommendation came in response to concerns over the increasing abuse of drugs in His Majesty’s state, especially among the youth, based on statistics from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
According to Sinar Harian, Sultan Abdullah said one of the main causes for young people falling into drug addiction, both directly and indirectly, is 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 Maahad Tahfiz Excellence Award ceremony at a hotel in Kuantan yesterday.
Also present was Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Earlier, His Majesty presented awards to 52 students from Pahang Maahad Tahfiz, who obtained outstanding results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams.
During the event, Sultan Abdullah also presented excellence awards to two students, Akif Ibrahim and Nur Amelia Diyana Azman, both 18, who achieved 11As in last year’s SPM.
Based on the AADK records, His Majesty said 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.
“I take this opportunity to raise my concerns regarding the issue of drugs, especially in schools in Pahang.
“It is time for parents to step up, regardless of whether their children are involved, and ask for help.
“This is a worrying figure. If we do not address this issue, the numbers could increase,” said the state Ruler.
