Symptoms of vaping among school students should be eradicated – Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: Chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye today urged the government to address the issue of uncontrolled vaping among school students as soon as possible.

Lee said it was important for schools across the country to take the initiative to combat vaping through awareness campaigns and decisive action.
He also expressed concern over recent reports of students using vapes in unused school toilets and classrooms.

“In a recent incident, six students at a secondary school in Selangor were found vomiting after sharing a vape. Another student was seen in a trance with red eyes and could not stand or walk properly,” he said in a statement to Bernama .

Lee said vaping has been confirmed to pose significant health risks, especially to young people, including nicotine addiction, lung damage and exposure to harmful chemicals, as well as leading to the use of tobacco products.

He urged school authorities and students to support the Ministry of Education’s efforts to combat vaping, emphasizing the effectiveness of peer education programs, with students who have stopped vaping sharing their experiences.

Lee also suggested the use of celebrities and social media influencers to amplify the antivape message.

He said it was important to involve parents and guardians in information sessions to shape children’s attitudes and behavior towards vaping.

“It takes a collective effort from schools, parents, communities and students to combat vaping and ensure a healthier future for generations to come,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the Terengganu police are waiting for a medical report on a high school student in Kemaman, who was found unconscious after using an electronic cigarette last month.

State Police Chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said the report was important to determine further action related to the matter.