What you need to know about the country’s rising vape-related drug crisis
For many young adults in Malaysia, vaping is a lifestyle habit — a supposedly cleaner, trendier alternative to smoking. But recent headlines have revealed a much darker reality. Vapes aren’t just about nicotine anymore. Authorities have found synthetic drugs — including ketamine, PCP, and even fentanyl — lurking in vape liquids sold across the country.
This isn’t just a youth issue or a fringe case. It’s a growing public health threat, and it’s showing up in places no one expected.
Vapes Laced with Illicit Drugs Are Being Sold Openly
In early 2025, reports surfaced that drug-laced vapes were being sold in Malaysian vape shops — some even to teenagers. Substances like ketamine (a sedative often abused for its hallucinogenic effects) and PCP (a powerful dissociative drug) have been found in flavoured vape liquids, turning what many see as a social habit into a potential overdose risk.
According to Malay Mail, these products were not hidden — they were easily accessible to the public, making the situation even more alarming.
Traces of Fentanyl Found in Malaysia’s Sewage
The plot thickened when researchers, through wastewater surveillance, detected fentanyl in local sewage systems — a clear sign that underground labs might be producing it. Fentanyl is no ordinary drug. It’s an opioid that’s 50 times more potent than heroin, and exposure to even small doses can be fatal.
South China Morning Post reported this discovery as part of a national effort to trace drug use through environmental data. The findings suggest that these aren’t isolated incidents — there’s a system operating beneath the surface.
Public Outcry and State-Level Vape Crackdowns
In response, several Malaysian states have started pushing for stricter regulations or outright bans on vapes. As covered by Free Malaysia Today, high-ranking officials, including the Deputy IGP, have called for more action.
The government is also collaborating with researchers to improve detection methods and dismantle hidden drug labs. Still, many argue that policy alone isn’t enough — there’s a need for public education and tighter enforcement.
It’s More Than Just a Vape — It’s a Wake-Up Call
What was once seen as a lifestyle choice has quickly become a public safety concern. The discovery of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in vape products is a red flag not just for users, but for the systems meant to protect them.
As vaping continues to rise in popularity, so too must awareness of what’s really inside those clouds of vapour. Whether you’re a casual user, a parent, or just part of the concerned public — it’s time to pay attention.