SANDAKAN: Tanjong Papat assemblyman Alex Thien Ching Qiang voiced grave concern over a viral social media video allegedly showing students using a vape suspected to contain drugs or psychoactive substances. Known locally as “Piu-Piu” or “Mushroom Vape,” the product is believed to have begun circulating among certain student groups in Sandakan.
Thien on Tuesday lodged an official police complaint with the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division. He subsequently met with Inspector Abdul Murad to discuss the case and urged the police to launch an immediate probe to prevent the problem from spiraling further out of control.
As part of his efforts to gather on-the-ground intelligence, Thien also conducted a site visit to the Batu Sapi Bus Terminal. He collected information from bus operators regarding student congregation times and any past incidents linked to the suspected drug-laced vape. He has also recommended stepped-up patrols, enhanced CCTV surveillance, and tighter security controls at the terminal and its surrounding areas.
Thien stressed that the police investigation must identify all individuals involved, determine the exact composition of the vape liquid, and trace the product’s origins—including suppliers, agents, and the full distribution network. He insisted that firm legal action be taken against any party found selling or supplying these products to underage individuals.
He further asserted that enforcement actions should not be directed solely at the students caught using the vape, but must instead target the individuals or syndicates responsible for its supply and distribution. This is particularly critical as vapes now come in a wide array of new forms, which can easily be used to disguise illicit drugs and psychoactive substances.
Thien noted that the fight against this burgeoning menace cannot rest on the police and enforcement agencies alone. Schools, parents, and the broader community must step up their vigilance, strengthen educational outreach, and enhance supervision of young people to curb this threat effectively.
He has also called on the public to immediately channel any information regarding suspicious sales or distribution activities to the police or the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). Emphasizing the need for a whole-of-society approach, he reiterated that collective action is vital to safeguard the younger generation from this serious health and safety hazard. – James Leong
Alex Thien (left), during his visit to the Sandakan district Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division office on Tuesday.
