The widespread use of vape among teenagers and children is becoming a “ticking time bomb” that could trigger a major public health crisis if left unchecked, warns the National Poison Centre (PRN), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
PRN director Dr Nur Azzalia Kamaruzaman said the concern is not only due to the rising popularity of vaping, but also its rapid evolution, which makes it increasingly difficult to regulate, monitor and treat cases of misuse or poisoning.
She said vape products are no longer limited to nicotine consumption, but are increasingly being misused as a delivery method for drugs and illicit substances.
According to her, various substances have been detected over time, including synthetic drugs such as synthetic cannabis, fentanyl and etomidate, which can produce severe effects and are often difficult to treat using conventional clinical methods.
Dr Nur Azzalia said the misuse of vape is becoming more evident, warning that it not only fuels nicotine addiction but may also act as a gateway to drug use among young people.
She noted that Malaysia took nearly a decade to introduce specific legislation through the Control of Smoking Products Act 2024, while the vape industry expanded rapidly ahead of regulatory controls.
She added that vape devices have evolved from refillable systems to closed pod systems and disposable products, making them more accessible, cheaper and easier to conceal, especially among school students.
The centre also raised concerns over changes in nicotine formulations, from free-base nicotine to nicotine salts and even synthetic nicotine, which complicates detection and toxicity assessment.
Dr Nur Azzalia stressed that early exposure to nicotine can affect brain development, learning ability and behaviour in children and adolescents.
She warned that current trends show a rising prevalence of vape use among Malaysian youths, increasing the risk of addiction at an early age.
The centre described the situation as a public health “ticking time bomb” and urged stronger enforcement, awareness campaigns, and accessible addiction treatment services to address the issue before it escalates further.
