KUALA LUMPUR: The rising number of cases of vaping and drug addiction among school children has sparked grave concern, prompting urgent calls for action to protect the nation’s future generation, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman urged parents, educators, communities, and policymakers to work together to protect children and provide them with a safe environment for their growth.
"Vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, is far from harmless. Research shows that it can cause severe respiratory issues, cardiovascular damage, and long-term addiction to nicotine.
"Drug use among school children, similarly, has devastating effects on mental and physical health, leading to impaired cognitive development and potential overdose risks,” he said in a statement here Friday (Feb 7).
Beyond health concerns, addiction also disrupts education by causing absenteeism, behavioral problems and declining academic performance, he added.
Lee stressed that early exposure to vaping and drug use can lead to more severe substance abuse, posing a long-term threat to society.
To address the issue, he called for stricter regulation, including banning the sale and promotion of vaping products near schools and imposing harsher penalties on retailers selling these products to minors.
He also emphasised the need for better monitoring of online platforms to curb illegal sales and marketing aimed at young people.
As education and awareness are equally important, Lee suggested that schools include anti-vaping and anti-drug programmes, while workshops with experts, law enforcement and former addicts can help educate students and parents.
Lee urged parents and communities to take an active role, encouraging open conversations about addiction risks.
"Protecting our school children from vaping and drug addiction is not just a task for schools or the government, it is a shared responsibility for all of us. By addressing this issue with urgency, we can safeguard the health and future of our young generation,” he said. - Bernama
