KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has urged the government to act swiftly and decisively against the growing threat of a dangerous substance known as etomidate being abused through vape devices, warning that the country cannot afford to wait until lives are lost.
Speaking during the debate on the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament, Dr Yii highlighted the alarming rise of vapes laced with etomidate often marketed as “Kpods” which have already caused deaths in neighbouring Singapore.
“This is a deadly reality that has taken lives in Singapore. If we don’t act now, we could soon face a wave of preventable deaths, especially among our young people,” he said.
Dr Yii explained that etomidate is a powerful anaesthetic meant for controlled medical use in hospitals, not something to be inhaled recreationally. He warned that even a single puff could lead to sudden respiratory failure, unconsciousness, and potentially fatal complications such as adrenal crisis, where the body is unable to produce essential stress hormones, leading to dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure. The way these Kpods are packaged, he said, makes them appear harmless and appealing to youths, who may not realise the risks until it’s too late.
He pointed to Singapore’s proactive response as an example for Malaysia to follow. There, etomidate has already been classified as a Class A controlled drug, on par with heroin, with severe legal penalties. The government also launched clear public warnings, improved forensic testing capabilities, and issued treatment guidelines to hospitals. Border checks have also been tightened to stop illegal vapes from entering the country.
“We cannot afford to be complacent. We must not wait until the morgues are filled with the bodies of our children before we act,” he said.
Dr Yii urged the Ministry of Health, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, and other relevant bodies to immediately classify etomidate as a dangerous drug under the law and enhance enforcement against illegal vape distributors. He also called for increased funding for forensic labs to equip them with the right tools to detect the substance in vape liquids and biological samples, such as urine and blood.
He stressed the need for an aggressive national awareness campaign aimed at youths and parents, using clear and impactful messaging. “The public must be told plainly: Kpod vape can stop your breathing and kill you instantly.”
In addition, he said the healthcare system must be ready to handle potential cases, with hospitals given clear clinical guidelines on how to identify and manage etomidate poisoning, which cannot be treated using naloxone, a drug typically used for opioid overdoses.
Dr Yii called for the formation of a special task force involving multiple agencies to monitor the black market and social media for the illegal sale of Kpods, and to coordinate a swift, united response.
“This threat is already at our doorstep. Singapore acted fast, with clarity and firmness. We must do the same before it’s too late. Let’s protect our young people before we are forced to mourn them,” he said.
By Connie Chieng