(Kuching, 25th) The Sarawak Indigenous Teachers' Union (KGBS) is deeply concerned about the increasing phenomenon of students using e-cigarettes in schools, especially as the issue becomes more serious when e-cigarettes are mixed with drugs and other illegal substances.
The union's president, Zulkiflee Sebli, stated that although this problem has not yet become widespread in all schools, the existing signs are sufficient to sound an alarm to the education sector.
He said that teachers now face greater challenges because e-cigarette devices come in various types, are small and compact, and unlike traditional cigarettes, do not have a strong smell, making detection more difficult.
"Many students hide e-cigarettes in their backpacks, clothes pockets, or mix them with other items, which makes it harder for teachers to find," he said.
Zulkiflee pointed out that there are reports showing that students addicted to e-cigarettes often experience a decline in learning concentration, frequently skip classes, and are even involved in disciplinary issues.
Some teachers have also complained that some students smoke e-cigarettes on school grounds, including in toilets and hidden corners.
Therefore, KGBS recommends cooperating with schools, the police, and the health department to further tighten the ban on e-cigarette use. This includes conducting surprise inspections, organizing awareness campaigns, and taking strict law enforcement actions against e-cigarette vendors targeting students.
Zulkiflee stressed that teachers should be given special training so that they can explain the dangers of e-cigarettes to students in a friendly and evidence-based manner; students who have already been affected should receive ongoing counseling, positive peer support, and be referred to specialists when necessary.
He added that school rules and regulations should also be further strengthened, and consideration should be given to amending laws to increase penalties for e-cigarette vendors.
"Cooperation between parents, schools, the police, and health-related NGOs is extremely important, and a community committee could be established. Parental supervision at home is also a key factor in curbing the spread of e-cigarettes," he emphasized.
The union's president, Zulkiflee Sebli, stated that although this problem has not yet become widespread in all schools, the existing signs are sufficient to sound an alarm to the education sector.
He said that teachers now face greater challenges because e-cigarette devices come in various types, are small and compact, and unlike traditional cigarettes, do not have a strong smell, making detection more difficult.
"Many students hide e-cigarettes in their backpacks, clothes pockets, or mix them with other items, which makes it harder for teachers to find," he said.
Zulkiflee pointed out that there are reports showing that students addicted to e-cigarettes often experience a decline in learning concentration, frequently skip classes, and are even involved in disciplinary issues.
Some teachers have also complained that some students smoke e-cigarettes on school grounds, including in toilets and hidden corners.
Therefore, KGBS recommends cooperating with schools, the police, and the health department to further tighten the ban on e-cigarette use. This includes conducting surprise inspections, organizing awareness campaigns, and taking strict law enforcement actions against e-cigarette vendors targeting students.
Zulkiflee stressed that teachers should be given special training so that they can explain the dangers of e-cigarettes to students in a friendly and evidence-based manner; students who have already been affected should receive ongoing counseling, positive peer support, and be referred to specialists when necessary.
He added that school rules and regulations should also be further strengthened, and consideration should be given to amending laws to increase penalties for e-cigarette vendors.
"Cooperation between parents, schools, the police, and health-related NGOs is extremely important, and a community committee could be established. Parental supervision at home is also a key factor in curbing the spread of e-cigarettes," he emphasized.