PETALING JAYA – Malaysian health experts and activists are calling on the government to adopt a tougher stance on vaping, taking inspiration from Singapore’s drug-offence model to curb its growing use — especially among teenagers.

N.V. Subbarow, senior education officer at the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP), said on August 20 that Malaysia should treat vaping with the same seriousness as drug abuse.

“In our country, most vapes contain addictive and dangerous ingredients, including etomidate. We should not treat these problems as light,” he said.

On August 17, Singapore announced that it would strengthen its vaping laws, including classifying harmful vape ingredients like etomidate as Class C drugs. This means vape users may be subjected to rehabilitation programs, akin to drug abusers. Vaping has been banned in Singapore since 2018, and possession or use carries a fine of up to S$2,000.

Etomidate, a drug typically used in hospitals for sedation, can cause hallucinations and permanent organ damage when misused. Malaysia’s Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad stated on July 30 that the ministry is studying the possibility of listing etomidate under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, but warned against any hasty decisions without scientific backing.

CAP’s own survey reveals a drop in cigarette smoking, but a sharp rise in vape and e-cigarette use among youth, including young girls. Many teens reportedly see it as a personal choice and a right, Mr. Subbarow noted.

“It’s time for lawmakers to address the drug dangers in vape liquids and take stern action,” he added.

Ikram Health Malaysia president Dr. Mohd Afiq Mohd Nor echoed the call for tougher enforcement, saying:

“Singapore has been consistent on this. Malaysia should enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act while awaiting legal reforms.”

Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Amrahi Buang said the issue has been raised repeatedly, dating back to 2015.

“At our National Pharmacists Convention 2025, we made a clear stand — zero tolerance for vaping. It’s time to protect the rakyat from this menace,” he said.

However, not everyone agrees with replicating Singapore’s model.

Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a public health specialist, said many countries, including Thailand, Hong Kong, Brunei, and India, have banned vaping but do not treat users as drug offenders — suggesting a variety of models exist.

Mr. Samsul Kamal Ariffin, president of the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities, warned against making policy based on perception rather than scientific evidence.

Senior lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla agreed that Malaysia must proceed with comprehensive research before implementing such drastic legal changes.

“Authorities need to classify all types of vape liquids, test for drug-like substances, and define what is legal and what is banned,” he said.

Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health chairman Suhaizan Kayat added that a potential path forward could include amending the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 to introduce stricter vaping regulations or outright bans.