Health Ministry to clamp down on sale of addictive 'Energy Stick' inhalers targeted at schoolkids

THE MINISTRY of Health (MoH) has vowed to take immediate action on the sale of an allegedly addictive product known as 'Energy' Stick' which is being actively promoted through social media, supposedly to give energy and reinvigoration to users.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry has received complaints and warnings about the product which comes in different flavours and colours.

There are concerns that the item, which is especially marketed at schoolchildren, can induce users to take up vaping and even drugs at a later stage.

"I received this 'alert' early on. I immediately told the Health director-general and deputy director-general about the complaints I received from social media.

"We (MoH) will take immediate action regarding the matter," he was quoted as saying after officiating at the Liver Cancer Awareness Day in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2024 in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, this morning.

Earlier, the Public Health Malaysia (PHM) account through Facebook posted a warning for the public to be careful with the product known as 'Energy Stick'.

It said that the nasal inhalation device is the latest gimmick in the market to become popular among school students and is widely sold at prices from as low as RM2.50 up to RM10.

"This nasal inhaler product is promoted as an item to give energy and to give freshness to the user. There are sellers who use the tagline 'Inhale first, then go to school' and 'Inhale first then start work'.

"The item is small in size, just the size of a lighter, and is colourful and comes in various interesting flavours," it said.

Based on observation, using the product has a similar effect as taking drugs, it warned.

The act of sniffing through the nose is akin to snorting on drug powder, it said. 

This is psychologically very harmful as it can encourage users to try other substances, including narcotics.

“From a medical point of view, taking chemicals through the nose causes the risk of damage to the mucus in the nasal cavity, (and can cause) wounds, bleeding and infection.

“Allergies and poisoning can also occur because the ingredients used are unknown,” it added.

Parents and teachers would have to be burdened to monitor and care for their children to prevent them from using and becoming hooked on the product. – The Vibes, February 4, 2024