KUALA LUMPUR: The use of electronic cigarettes or vape devices should be banned outright in Malaysia following growing concerns over a new synthetic drug known as “Piu Piu”, detected in vape liquids, says Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (pic).
“Piu Piu” vape liquids is a mixture of various synthetic drugs, including Ketamine and Fentanyl.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police said vape devices were increasingly being misused by drug syndicates to conceal the consumption and distribution of narcotics, particularly new psychoactive substances.
“The real concern is that these devices are being dangerously abused by mixing them with new drugs or new psychoactive substances,” he told reporters after visiting the Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Hospital yesterday, in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebration.
Ayob Khan said vape use had become increasingly popular and “a source of pride” among youths, making early intervention vital.
“We need to curb this problem before it worsens. Many countries have already banned vape products, and Malaysia should have the political will to do the same,” he said.
He said the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) would continue conducting large-scale monitoring and enforcement operations, including inspections of vape outlets, to prevent the spread of “Piu Piu”.
Early this year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a ban on open system vape devices is “almost there”.
An open system vape refers to a refillable device where users manually fill a tank with their own e-liquid.
He said curbing open system vapes will be the first step, owing to its misuse where synthetic drugs have found their way into the product.
Meanwhile, Ayob Khan also said the police, particularly the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS), would not compromise with officers found colluding with drug syndicates.
He said stern action, including disciplinary measures and dismissal from service, had been taken against personnel involved in drug abuse.
“We conduct regular monitoring through JIPS and other relevant departments, including urine screening of all police officers and personnel.
On another matter, Ayob Khan said the issue of illegal settlements involving the Rohingya community has become increasingly difficult to contain and requires a comprehensive and well-planned solution.
He said it could no longer be viewed solely as an enforcement matter and required cooperation from multiple agencies as well as the international community.
As of April, Malaysia is home to 219,472 holders of cards issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“197,591 are Myanmar nationals and of that 128,200 are from the Rohingya ethnic group,” he added.
Ayob Khan said efforts to address the Rohingya issue should not be placed solely on the shoulders of the police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency or the Immigration Department.
He said the entry of undocumented migrants involved several layers of enforcement, beginning at sea before they eventually reach Malaysian shores.
