KUCHING — Sarawak recorded the highest youth vaping rate in Malaysia, with 20.3% of teens aged 13–17 using vape products, according to the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS).

State Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah expressed deep concern, noting the rate among those aged 15 and above also rose from 4.5% in 2019 to 7.3% in 2023. She plans to raise the issue at the state Cabinet level for urgent action.

She also highlighted nine cases of illegal substances found in vapes last year and called for stronger preventive measures, starting in schools.

Separately, Sarawak saw 4,602 drug-related arrests between January and April, with youth cases doubling from 1,392 to 2,804. Relapse cases also surged by 120%. Fatimah urged young people to stay away from drugs, warning of the challenges of addiction and recovery.