Police to Deploy Saliva Test Kits at Roadblocks to Tackle Synthetic Drug Menace
Source: Penang Today
Royal Malaysia Police plans to deploy saliva test kits at roadblocks nationwide to detect motorists driving under the influence of synthetic drugs sold as vape liquids.
Bukit Aman has appealed for government funding, aiming for deployment by the end of the year. The initiative targets a growing threat from synthetic liquid drugs marketed under names like “Piu Piu” and “Magic Mushroom”, which are easily obtained online and at entertainment outlets.
“If this issue is not addressed immediately, we cannot rule out the possibility of an increase in accidents caused by drug-impaired driving, putting more lives at risk,” said NCID Director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
Cases have surged sharply. In 2025, police recorded 108 cases and 138 arrests nationwide. As of 10 June 2026, that figure has climbed to 168 cases and 267 arrests. The abuse has been detected among secondary school students.
Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan urged the government to take stronger measures against vape products to curb synthetic drug abuse. The police are working closely with the Health Ministry and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
“‘Piu Piu’ and ‘Magic Mushroom’ are not the names of specific drugs. They are commercial terms used to market synthetic liquid drugs used in vape devices,” he said.
Source: The Star
