The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has reiterated its support for a nationwide ban on vape products following the emergence of a dangerous new synthetic drug known as “Piu Piu”, which authorities say has been detected in electronic cigarette liquids.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay warned that the substance, believed to contain a mixture of fentanyl and other psychoactive chemicals, can cause extreme intoxication and leave users in a zombie-like state.
According to Ayob Khan, vape devices are increasingly being exploited by drug syndicates as a convenient method of distributing and concealing illicit substances from authorities.
“The main issue is no longer whether vaping is a business opportunity for certain groups. The real concern is that these devices are being dangerously abused through the addition of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other drugs,” he said.
He noted that vaping has become highly popular among young people, making early intervention crucial to prevent wider abuse.
Ayob Khan added that several countries have already imposed restrictions or outright bans on vaping products and urged Malaysia to demonstrate the political will needed to address the growing problem.
He made the remarks during a media briefing after officiating a hospital visit programme held in conjunction with the 219th Police Day commemoration at the Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Children’s Specialist Hospital at the National University of Malaysia (UKM).
The deputy police chief acknowledged that PDRM does not have the sole authority to ban vape products, as the matter also falls under the jurisdiction of other ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Health.
Nevertheless, he said the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) would continue intensifying monitoring efforts and conducting large-scale enforcement operations nationwide.
These operations will include inspections of premises selling vape products to prevent the spread of the new drug and other dangerous substances.
The renewed call follows recent enforcement actions in which six men, including a vape supplier, were arrested over suspected distribution of vape products allegedly containing drugs.
The arrests came after several viral social media videos showed individuals displaying signs of extreme intoxication while excessively using vape devices.
Earlier, NCID director Hussein Omar Khan said authorities viewed the misuse of vape products seriously due to concerns that they could normalise drug abuse and unhealthy lifestyles among young people.
He also warned that some vape products may contain hazardous substances or synthetic drugs capable of posing serious risks to public health and safety.
As concerns grow over the emergence of “Piu Piu”, authorities are stepping up enforcement efforts while renewing calls for stronger measures to curb the misuse of vape products across the country.
