MELAKA: Police are investigating claims that a 14-year-old girl attempted self-harm at her home in Jonker Walk while under the influence of a "mushroom vape" allegedly supplied by her boyfriend.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said preliminary investigations found that the teenager became distressed after her 49-year-old adoptive mother stopped her from going out with the 17-year-old boy.
He said the incident occurred at 10.33pm on Sunday (May 24) and the victim was rushed to Hospital Melaka for emergency treatment.
"The victim was reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment and was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday (May 27).
"An initial probe revealed that the teenager became upset after being prevented from going out with her boyfriend," he said here on Thursday (May 28).
DCP Dzulkhairi said the victim’s adoptive mother claimed that the teenager had been behaving uncontrollably and was suspected to be under the influence of a hallucinatory vape.
He said the substance was allegedly supplied by the victim’s boyfriend, a Form Four student who introduced her to vaping activities in February.
"The adoptive mother had previously confiscated a vape device to stop the victim from continuing the habit.
"Further investigations are being carried out, including recording statements from the adoptive mother, who works as a temple caretaker, to determine the circumstances that led to the incident," he added.
DCP Dzulkhairi said no arrests had been made so far, but the case was being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for alleged negligence or abandonment involving the teenager.
Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, or go to www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or e-mail sam@befrienders.org.my)
