Kuala lumpur: The Alliance for a Safe Community (IKATAN) has urged the government to implement a comprehensive national response to address the growing abuse of synthetic drugs, particularly those linked to vape products, saying they now account for 73 per cent of drug abuse cases and are contributing to worsening mental health problems among young people. Its chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, highlighted data from enforcement agencies showing that the trend has become a serious public health, mental health, and social crisis requiring urgent intervention.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee emphasized the distinct nature of synthetic drugs, which are manufactured using dangerous chemical compounds that are often far more potent and unpredictable than conventional drugs. These substances have devastating effects on the brain, with frequent use capable of damaging brain function and altering normal chemical activity. This increases the risk of severe mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis, violent behavior, and, in some cases, long-term schizophrenia-like symptoms.
Lee pointed out that many young people are unaware of the risks associated with substances inhaled through vape devices, which can rapidly impair judgment, damage the brain, and trigger serious psychiatric conditions. The discreet appearance of vape devices also makes enforcement more challenging. He noted that the condition, often referred to by medical experts as 'dual diagnosis', where an individual suffers from both substance use disorder and a mental illness, is more difficult to treat because both conditions reinforce each other.
To address the issue, Lee called for tougher nationwide enforcement against the manufacture, trafficking, online sale, and distribution of synthetic drugs, particularly those concealed in vape liquids and cartridges. He also advocated for stronger border controls to curb the smuggling of synthetic drug precursors. Additionally, he urged the government to expand awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and universities, strengthen mental health screening for individuals undergoing drug rehabilitation, and enhance collaboration among the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the Ministry of Health (MOH), educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and mental health professionals.
Lee stressed the importance of parents and teachers recognizing early warning signs of drug abuse and mental health problems. He also urged authorities to review existing laws on vape products to prevent their exploitation as a delivery system for dangerous synthetic substances. He concluded by emphasizing that drug rehabilitation must go beyond treating addiction alone and address the psychological and psychiatric consequences of synthetic drug use. Without integrated treatment, many recovering addicts will remain vulnerable to relapse, self-harm, violence, homelessness, and involvement in crime.