22/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 22, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

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Ban on tampered vape may backfire, says academic

message that forests are not merely to be observed, but to be appreciated, preserved and deeply understood.” Foundation board of trustees chairman Datuk Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamed said the foundation is planning to develop BTA into a permanent interpretive trail to provide a platform for ongoing research and as an inclusive, nature-based learning space for extracurricular education. “I hope more researchers and institutions would choose Banding Island as a long-term research site and training ground to nurture the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.“ – Bernama Perak among top states in durian production LARUT: Perak emerged as one of the leading durian-producing states in Malaysia, with a production volume of 59,217.3 tonnes worth RM462.28 million in 2024. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the achievement contributed to the country’s agri-food economy and proved Perak’s capability in the durian export market. He said Malaysia exported durians produced in Perak to over 41 countries between 2017 and 2023, with 73% of the export value concentrated in China. “In 2022, Malaysia’s durian export value reached RM1.14 billion, including RM887 million to China, yet demand for varieties such as Musang King, Black Thorn, D24, IOI and Premium Durian Kampung from Perak continues to rise. “In addition, Topone Solution Sdn Bhd exported 30 containers of durians worth RM20 million in 2024, including five containers of Durian Kampung worth RM1 million, as well as 100 tonnes of Durian Kampung paste worth RM5.25 million.” He said Malaysia began exporting fresh durians to China on Aug 24, 2024, involving 413.61 tonnes worth RM24.84 million, following the phytosanitary agreement between the two countries after official approval was obtained in June last year. “Since then, Malaysian durians have penetrated 16 key provinces in China and received an overwhelming response as a premium exotic product, with Durian Kampung from Perak gaining global recognition. “Malaysia’s durian export value is expected to reach RM1.8 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of between 20% and 25%, driven by advancements in logistics, frozen supply chain technology and downstream product innovation.” He added that the current focus is on widening access to premium Durian Kampung from Perak through branding strategies, quality certification and digital marketing, Bernama reported. “Durians from Perak are also in demand in Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States and Australia, with the price of Durian Kampung from Malaysia reaching RM29 per 600g, while Musang King is sold for up to RM400 per 2.5kg.”

o ‘Move could make adulterated products harder to control and penalise legitimate users’

enforcement while also crafting culturally relevant awareness campaigns that target youth, parents and teachers. Malaysian Psychological Association president Assoc Prof Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali stressed that the solution must address the emotional and psychological state of Malaysian youth. “The answer is not merely a lack of information, but rather deeper psychological factors. Vape use is sometimes not just experimentation. It could become a defensive mechanism for coping, an escape from academic pressure, family conflict, social anxiety or low self worth,” he said. He explained that adolescence is a time of intense peer influence and identity confusion, and vaping is often used as a tool to “join the gang” or appear “cool”. “Many teens are in an identity crisis and those unable to find themselves experience role confusion,” he said. He noted that the adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control and risk evaluation, is not yet fully developed, making teens more likely to follow trends without grasping long-term consequences. He added that colourful packaging and sweet flavours make vaping seem fun and harmless, distancing it from the health risks that are traditionally associated with cigarettes. “Pop culture and social media indirectly normalise the use of illicit substances, making it seem bold, free and attractive.” Shazli said products such as K-Pod that offer a quick euphoric high appeal especially to youths dealing with stress, depression or emotional instability. A May report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed the detection of etomidate, a hypnotic anaesthetic agent, in e liquids used in vape devices. Misuse of this substance has been linked to symptoms such as intoxication, hand tremors, anxiety, panic and confusion.

Ű BY T. C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGE TOWN: As calls to ban tampered vape products such as K-Pod grow louder, experts have warned that an outright ban may backfire, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it. They say addressing the issue requires political will, inter-agency coordination, psychological insight and, above all, compassion. Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy described the rise of adulterated vapes as an escalation in Malaysia’s struggle against evolving forms of substance abuse. “What makes these products especially dangerous is not just their chemical composition but their design. They are discreet, odourless and flavoured. “Tampered vape liquids have essentially become stealthy, socially accepted delivery systems for synthetic drugs. And they are alarmingly accessible to school and college students.” However, he cautioned that a blanket ban could worsen the situation by pushing the market further underground, which would make adulterated products even harder to trace and control. “It could also penalise legitimate users who rely on vaping as a harm-reduction tool,” he said. He warned that a ban may trigger backlash from young voters and small-business owners, who form part of the country’s growing vape retail sector. Sundramoorthy called instead for multi-layered regulation and the creation of a centralised regulatory

Sundramoorthy called for the formation of a national task force to lead enforcement and craft culturally relevant awareness campaigns for youth, parents and teachers. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

raids or medical emergencies almost impossible. “This is a textbook case of enforcement mechanisms struggling to keep pace with innovation in substance abuse. Without a centralised regulatory body, efforts are fragmented. The result is a policy vacuum that criminals exploit with ease,” he said. Sundramoorthy also said the issue highlights broader systemic failures, such as porous borders, weak inter-agency coordination, inconsistent enforcement, institutional corruption and outdated educational messaging, all of which undermine national resilience. He called for the formation of a national task force comprising police, the Health Ministry, the Customs Department, forensic experts and educators to lead

approach grounded in field research. “The collected data forms a biodiversity checklist or ‘species checklist’ for Banding Island . The information not only contributes to the national biodiversity database, but also plays a vital role in identifying and monitoring endangered species, while also promoting awareness and environmental conservation efforts,” the foundation said in a statement. BTA was organised by the foundation in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, the Tropical Rainforest Research Centre, the Emkay Foundation and Belum Rainforest Resort. The programme saw the body to oversee vape policy, including mandatory chemical testing of vape liquids, particularly flavoured and imported variants, before they are approved for sale. He proposed tougher penalties for vendors caught selling tampered products near schools or youth-centric areas. He said despite recent regulatory changes, Malaysia’s legal framework remains inadequate to handle the vape industry’s growing complexity. “There is no comprehensive ban or regulation on vape liquids, particularly those imported or sold online. Enforcement at the point of sale is sporadic and customs control over vape paraphernalia remains porous.” He added that forensic labs are underequipped and understaffed, making rapid testing during school

500 species of biodiversity discovered in Banding Island GERIK: A total of 519 species of biodiversity, including flora, fauna and fungi, were discovered in the Banding Island area here through the Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) programme, significantly enriching Malaysia’s national biodiversity database. involvement of the Belum Forest Friends, Exotic Animal Teaching Laboratory, Malaysian Forestry Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal said only 10% of the biodiversity around Royal Belum has been studied. She said many secrets and natural treasures remain undiscovered, highlighting the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources.

Research Institute, Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department, Perak State Forestry Department and several local universities, such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The programme made history when it was officially recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records for achieving “Most Biodiverse Species Identified in a Programme”, with the certificate presented during the closing ceremony on Sunday. In her speech at the ceremony, Emkay Group executive chairman

According to the Banding Island Foundation, the three-day expedition, which began on Friday, involved 50 participants comprising university students and research experts. The group explored a 4.7km area on the island to identify and document species within the ecosystem. “Participants engaged in sampling and identification activities. These were carried out using a scientific

“I was informed that over 400 species of flora and fauna have been identified during BTA, which demonstrates that the Banding Trail shares the same rich biodiversity of flora and fauna as Royal Belum, but in a more enclosed, enclave setting. “This effort is more than just an academic expedition. It sends a strong