In Malaysia, drug-laced vape seizures stoke US-like ‘zombie epidemic’ fears
South China Morning Post
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Recent viral videos depict young Malaysian men exhibiting dazed and disoriented behavior after vaping, sparking widespread concern. These incidents highlight the potential spread of drug-laced e-liquids within Malaysia's rapidly expanding e-cigarette market.
- The "zombie vape" phenomenon, captured in videos circulating online, shows individuals appearing unresponsive and unsteady. This has amplified existing anxieties about the safety and regulation of vaping products, particularly among youth.
- Malaysia's e-cigarette market has seen significant growth, making it a fertile ground for the circulation of potentially illicit or adulterated vaping substances. The ease of access to vaping devices and liquids, coupled with insufficient regulatory oversight, may be contributing factors to the problem.
- Authorities are increasingly aware of the potential for recreational drugs to be introduced into vaping liquids, posing a serious public health risk. The visual evidence from the viral videos serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unregulated vaping products and potential drug abuse.
- The situation underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations on e-cigarette products, including controls on the composition of e-liquids and enhanced enforcement measures to prevent the distribution of harmful substances.
