MELAKA: Police have widened their investigation into the sale of “mushroom vape” after arresting a Form Four student suspected of supplying the substance to his 14-year-old girlfriend, who allegedly attempted to harm herself.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said yesterday that the 17-year-old student was arrested on Thursday and remanded for five days to assist in the probe.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for alleged neglect or abandonment of a child, as well as Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.
“We are also investigating where the student obtained the mushroom vape supply,” he said.
DCP Dzulkhairi said a urine screening conducted on the suspect returned negative for drugs.
On Thursday, the media reported that the girl allegedly attempted to take her own life at 10.33pm on May 24 after her 49-year-old adoptive mother stopped her from going out with the suspect.
The girl was rushed to Hospital Melaka for treatment and was later reported to be in stable condition before being discharged on May 27.
Police are now tracing the source of the substance and investigating whether its distribution involves a wider syndicate targeting students.
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, go to www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
