Melaka: Melaka police are currently in the process of preparing a proposal paper to the state government to ban the sale of vape as an effort to curb the threat of synthetic drugs being abused through the use of electronic cigarettes. Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the measure was taken following several arrests where vape liquid contained prohibited substances including ketamine, as well as concerns over the increase in vape abuse among students and adults.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkhairi Mukhtar stated, "We are still in the process of preparing the working paper, and the ban on the sale of vape will be proposed in the near future." He emphasized the implications of vape sales on society, particularly its impact on health and the risk of drug abuse among teenagers. The proposal aims to address these concerns and put forward a strategy to mitigate the rising trend of vape smoking among students.

Dzulkhairi explained that the proposal would examine various aspects such as the side effects of vape use and the reasons for banning the sale of electronic cigarettes. Additionally, the economic impact on society if the sale is halted will be considered. The police plan to discuss the proposal with the state and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) for further deliberation.

The preparation of this proposal aligns with the recommendation of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay last month. Furthermore, several states have already taken steps to ban the sale of vape to prevent the abuse of illegal substances.