Cheap Stickers Can Alter Vapes To Look Like Stationery & Candy Bars, Parents Warned
Netizens claim these stickers are easily available online for as low as RM1 each.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 07 Oct 2024, 06:22 PM
Parents and teachers are warned about the emergence of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices that can resemble anything from stationery to candy bars
The concern was first raised in an X post last Thursday, 4 October, by health advocacy page Public Health Malaysia (PHM), which shared four photos of vaping devices resembling products from popular stationery brands.
A WhatsApp message claimed that vaping devices have taken a new form, cautioning, "Parents and teachers must be alert to the innovations by vape companies that can destroy our children's future."
PHM said in the caption that, in addition to vaping devices resembling markers and glue sticks, designs mimicking 2B pencils are also available in the market.
At the time of writing, the tweet has gone viral with over 780,000 views
Many netizens acknowledged the products pose a significant danger to children, fearing they will end up in the hands of minors.
"This should be banned at once," said an X user, tagging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The authorities have to take this seriously. Ban shops and sellers that offer this," wrote another person.
One netizen claimed that the issue lies in stickers for vaping devices that can alter their appearance. They added that such stickers are easily available on e-commerce sites.
A quick search on popular e-commerce sites found many online vendors selling these stickers in various designs for as low as RM1
Some stickers feature popular pop culture characters, while others mimic brand packaging of products such as candy bars.
Some of these product pages have age restrictions, while others do not.
SAYS has reached out to the Health Ministry for a comment on this issue but did not immediately receive a response.
