04/08/2025
MONDAY | AUG 4, 2025
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Warning to stay away from ‘Magic Mushroom’ vape liquid
E-cigarette incident traumatises teen, family PETALING JAYA: A teenager escaped death after inhaling vape laced with a synthetic drug known as “Magic Mushroom”, leading him to jump from the third floor of his school dormitory in a disoriented state. The incident, which occurred in September 2022, has left lasting trauma for both the 16-year-old boy and his family. His mother, a civil servant who asked to be known only as Mawar, shared the ordeal in hopes of warning other parents and students about the growing threat of drug-laced vape liquids. “It was after prep class. He had returned to his dorm when a senior approached and offered him a vape. At first, my son refused. “But after being pressured, he gave in,” she told theSun. The boy, then a Form Four student at a vocational college in Pahang, had taken two or three puffs before he began feeling drowsy and decided to lie down. “This is based on what my son shared with us. He thought all he did was go to bed. But in reality, he was already high. “Instead of resting, he had left the dorm in a state of confusion and ran all the way to the guard post at the entrance of the school.” The school security guard managed to stop him from leaving the premises, but the ordeal was far from over. Still under the influence and disoriented, the teen turned back toward the dormitory. Mawar said what happened next should serve as a warning about the dangers of drug-laced vape products. “He climbed up to the third floor where his dorm was located and jumped.” Several dormmates witnessed the scene and later confirmed to Mawar that it was not an accident, her son had deliberately leapt from the building. In a conversation later with his mother, the teen explained that he remembered everything but at the time, believed it was a dream. The fall left him with a fractured leg and spinal injuries. After months of treatment and rehabilitation, he regained full mobility and has since returned to a relatively normal life. “We were lucky. But what if he had landed differently? What if the guard had not stopped him earlier? He could have lost his life over a vape he did not even want to try,” said Mawar. She said to this day, her son withdraws whenever the incident is brought up by family members. In May, the National Poison Centre reported a surge in such cases since 2022, with many users suffering seizures, hallucinations, vomiting and behavioural changes after using laced vape liquids. Investigators believe dealers are targeting youths by mixing drugs into vape liquids and marketing them falsely as “natural”. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee
o Potential life threatening effects spook even hardened drug addicts
psychedelic mushrooms. According to the National Poison Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia, which issued a public alert last August, the drug is a synthetic chemical cocktail, not a natural product. The centre warned that users could suffer from confusion, psychosis and erratic behaviour, with the potential for lasting psychological damage. In January, National Anti-Drug Agency director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh confirmed that “Magic Mushroom” is a form of synthetic cannabis, processed for consumption through vaping.
per drop, making it accessible to youths and first-time users. Dabok, 48, a palm fruit harvester and recovering heroin addict, also admitted he could not handle the effects. “Once you inhale it, your body shuts down. You are not in control. You do not know who you are, where you are or what you are doing. The high might only last 30 minutes, but those 30 minutes could destroy everything. “Do not even think about driving after using it.” Despite its name, there is no link between the vape liquid and
and erratic outbursts. “Even for people like us who are used to drugs, we do not want to take this ‘Magic Mushroom’. The high is intense, it makes your head buzz and sometimes, you cannot remember what you did.” Wadi said teenagers and school students are vulnerable due to the discreet nature of the drug. Mixed into flavoured vape liquids, it can be inhaled in public spaces, including shopping malls, without raising suspicion. A check by theSun revealed that several online vendors are selling the liquid, pricing it as low as RM1
Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA: A vape liquid dubbed “Magic Mushroom” is causing such dangerous side effects that even hardened drug addicts are steering clear, warning others that one dose could trigger panic, blackouts and total loss of control. Marketed as a “natural hallucinogen”, the liquid is in fact laced with potent synthetic drugs. Users say the effects are potentially catastrophic. Speaking to theSun in a northern state, several drug users issued the same warning: “This is not something to play with.” Even veteran addicts accustomed to methamphetamine and opioid-based drugs are sounding the alarm. Wadi, 42, who has lived with a history of substance abuse, described the effects of a single dose. “First-time users usually feel a tightness in their chest, followed by paranoia. I have tried it, the panic was unbearable. I felt like I was dying.” According to Wadi, the high from the substance is not just powerful, it is destabilising. Users often lose control of their behaviour, experiencing temporary blackouts
Dabok recounting his experience, saying it made him delirious and unaware of his actions and whereabouts.
Perak govt committed to protecting Malayan tiger TAIPING: The Perak government has expressed continued commitment to protecting endangered species, particularly the Malayan tiger, which is an icon of Malaysian heritage. State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee “The Malayan tiger is a symbol of our national pride. However, the reality is that it is on the brink of extinction and categorised as a critically endangered species. “Therefore, commitment to ZTNS, the tourist attraction has organised various activities focusing on education and environmental sustainability.
as the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant and tapir. He also said various activities were held in conjunction with the event, including the launch of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus service, offering visitors a new way to explore key attractions around Taiping. “Among the upcoming programmes planned for the year are World Orangutan Day on Aug 30, Zoorama 2025 from Sept 13 to 21 and Taiping Bird Week from Oct 10 to 12.” – Bernama technology sectors. “The 13MP states that Sarawak and Sabah will become energy industry hubs. Therefore, the implementation of infrastructure projects is crucial.“ Alexander also said the Works Ministry, through the Public Works Department, plays a significant role as the primary implementer of national infrastructure development. – Bernama
Khairul Amir said as the oldest zoo in the country, ZTNS plays an active role in preservation, including ex situ (outside of natural habitat) breeding of endangered species, collaboration with research institutions and participation in animal rehabilitation and release programmes. He said this includes species such development agenda for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) under his ministry would be aligned with Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. He said development such as roads, education, health and industries are among the priorities under the plan, in line with the commitment of the state government to drive green energy and sustainable
(preservation) efforts must be a shared responsibility,” he said when officiating at the 64th anniversary celebration of ZTNS on Saturday, which was also attended by Taiping Municipal Council president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir. Teh said in line with the role of
chairman Teh Kok Lim said among the efforts is the role played by Zoo Taiping & Night Safari (ZTNS), which is not only a premier tourist destination but also a crucial conservation centre for protecting endangered species.
New access road to Kuching airport to be ready in September KUCHING: The construction of an eight-kilometre access road alternative route to alleviate traffic congestion between Kota Samarahan and Kuching.
connecting Jalan Datuk Mohamad Musa in Kota Samarahan to the southern access road of the Kuching International Airport is expected to be completed in September. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the road, which is categorised as a federal road, would serve as an
“The current progress is at 96%, with only 4% remaining, which involves the installation of equipment and lights. I understand the project can be completed next month,“ he told reporters after an official visit to the project site on Saturday. He added that the
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