KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has found that syndicate groups are mainly utilising Facebook and WhatsApp to sell and distribute vape products that are laced with drugs.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil expressed concern over the rise of these products in the online market, stating that MCMC is collaborating with the Home Ministry (KDN) to tackle the problem.
“I recently came across a report published by an online portal, which clearly presented statistics on the issue — and it is deeply worrying to see the current state of affairs.
“From MCMC’s side, we have discovered that these syndicates are primarily using Facebook and WhatsApp to sell their products. We are working with the Home Ministry (KDN), obtaining their input on this matter.
“Our aim and mission now is to combat the sale of drug-laced vapes in the country,” Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, told a press conference after the weekly Cabinet meeting earlier today.
While a complete ban on vape sales nationwide has been proposed, Fahmi said that would fall under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry.
“This has to be referred to the Health Ministry. However, the Communications Ministry is monitoring the sale of e-cigarettes via social media through the MCMC,” he said.
Fahmi added that MCMC is expected to prepare a report on the matter, which the Communications Ministry will then present to the Cabinet for further discussion.
Previously, the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) told Scoop that syndicates are increasingly turning to encrypted communication channels and digital platforms to sell vape liquids infused with MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), synthetic cannabinoids, and other harmful substances to unsuspecting youths and habitual users.
NCID Acting Director DCP Mat Zani Mohd Sallahuddin Che Ali, when contacted, said police have intensified cyber-monitoring efforts with MCMC to track and disable online accounts linked to the distribution of these illicit vape products.
According to NCID records, five individuals were arrested in 2023 for distributing drug-laced vape liquids. That figure surged to 17 last year, and four more suspects have already been detained this year — including two just last month.
In one recent case, police uncovered a makeshift drug laboratory and seized one litre of vape liquid laced with MDMA.
Investigations also revealed that the syndicates are manufacturing their own vape liquids, often spiked with synthetic compounds such as MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-BUTINACA.
In 2023, authorities seized 471.5 litres of drug-laced vape liquids and 45 vape devices. While no devices have been confiscated so far this year, police have already seized 1.8 litres of contaminated vape liquid in the first three months alone.
The Health Ministry has yet to table a federal bill regulating vape sales. In the meantime, states such as Johor, Kelantan, and Penang have implemented their own bans or restrictions on the sale of vape products.
In a related incident, a 50-year-old man reportedly collapsed and died at a nightclub in Johor Bahru after allegedly inhaling a vape laced with “Piao Piao,” a recreational drug gaining traction in underground party circles. – June 5, 2025