KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is stepping up efforts to combat the distribution and abuse of vapes containing prohibited substances through integrated enforcement operations involving multiple government agencies.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government remains committed to dismantling syndicates involved in the distribution of illicit vape products, particularly those targeting young people.
“The government will not compromise with any syndicate distributing vapes mixed with prohibited substances. KDN will continue to strengthen integrated enforcement to safeguard public safety and protect the future of the younger generation,” he said.
According to the ministry, enforcement actions carried out between 2023 and June 2026 resulted in the seizure of 718.43 kilograms of vape products or electronic cigarettes suspected of containing prohibited substances.
During the same period, authorities arrested 585 individuals and recorded 400 cases involving the distribution of vapes laced with illicit substances, including synthetic drugs, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mushroom extracts, and other psychoactive substances.
The integrated operations involved several enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Ministry of Health (MOH), the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), local authorities, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
The Home Ministry said it will continue to intensify special enforcement operations, strengthen intelligence gathering and cyber surveillance, enhance forensic analysis capabilities, and expand public advocacy and education programmes to comprehensively address the growing threat posed by vapes containing prohibited substances.
The ministry reiterated that coordinated enforcement and preventive measures remain a key priority in protecting public health and ensuring the safety and well-being of Malaysians, especially the nation’s youth.
— MINUTESMY
