Penang police are looking into a proposal to carry out joint inspections with schools to check students’ belongings for vape products, amid growing concerns that the devices could be linked to synthetic drugs.
State police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the suggestion was raised during a State Drug Eradication Action Council meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on April 6, according to a report by the New Straits Times.
He said although no cases involving drug-laced vape devices in schools have been reported so far, enforcement efforts remain active and ongoing across the state.
General awareness campaigns have also been stepped up as authorities continue to address emerging drug-related risks among students.
Azizee said police officers have been conducting enforcement operations as well as engagement programmes with the Education Department and local communities to educate students on the dangers of vape abuse.
He added that officers from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department and school liaison teams have already carried out 34 awareness talks in schools.
As part of broader crime prevention measures, each school in Penang has been assigned two police officers to strengthen discipline monitoring and safety initiatives.
The officers reportedly visit schools twice a month to conduct briefings, assist with disciplinary issues, support urine screening exercises by the National Anti-Drugs Agency, and take part in inspections involving traffic offences and student checks.
Authorities say such collaborative efforts are aimed at preventing harmful substances from reaching students while strengthening school safety environments.
