KUCHING: DAPSY Sarawak treasurer Wong King Yii has expressed strong support for the amendments to the Poisons Act, commending Dr Kelvin Yii for raising concerns over the alarming abuse of Etomidate-laced vape products, known as ‘Kpods’.
He warned that even a single puff could cause sudden unconsciousness, respiratory failure, adrenal crisis, or even death, especially among unsuspecting youths.
Wong said the issue is already present in the community, with viral videos showing teenagers collapsing or getting into accidents after inhaling Kpods.
He urged the government to act swiftly by classifying Etomidate as a dangerous drug, enhancing forensic detection especially at all entry points, launching a nationwide awareness campaign targeting parents, educators and youths, issuing emergency clinical guidelines for healthcare facilities, and forming a multi-agency task force to enforce regulations and crack down on illegal distribution across platforms and borders.
He also raised concerns over the definition of ‘authorised officers’ under the amended Act, stressing that only those with proper training and basic medical knowledge should be entrusted with such enforcement powers.
He said enforcement must be professional, proportionate and guided by legal and medical standards to avoid overreach or disruption to legitimate medical practices.
Wong added that Singapore has already taken decisive steps to curb the issue and urged Malaysian authorities to act with similar urgency before more lives are lost.
By Connie Chieng