'Energy stick': What is it and is it dangerous?

SHAH ALAM - Recently, there has been a viral issue going on around the community regarding an innovation that has raised concerns among many parties due to the involvement of school students in purchasing this new product.

The 'energy stick' or nasal inhaler, an innovation resembling a vape, is purportedly designed to provide users with energy and freshness.

There are a few advertisements for these products that are commonly offered in various flavours and various colours.

Through a post shared by Public Health Malaysia on the X platform, which provides information and issues warnings to the public about the use of the product revealed that this product has two funnels that fit into the nostrils and can be inhaled into the lungs.

This ‘energy stick’ is promoted to provide energy and freshness to users, with some sellers using taglines like 'inhale first, then go to school' or 'inhale first, then start work'.

The post further highlighted that, upon observation, the intake was similar to drugs, using the method of nasal inhalation or snorting and psychologically, it is very negative as it encourages users to try other substances.

The nose-poking and inhalation product is currently being sold on the market and widely promoted on social media with prices ranging from as low as RM2.50 to RM10.

It was said that the intake of chemicals through the nose poses risks of damaging the mucus in the nasal cavity, injuries, bleeding, and infections.

Additionally, there were potential risks of allergies and poisoning associated with the ‘energy stick’ as the substances used in its composition remain unknown.

In response to the situation, the Health Ministry (MOH) is set to take swift action regarding the sale of this nasal inhaler product.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has acknowledged receiving complaints and warnings about the product previously.

"I have early received this alert and immediately informed the Health Director-General Datuk Dr. Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan and his deputy.

“MOH will take immediate action regarding this matter," he said briefly to reporters after officiating the Liver Cancer Awareness Day in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2024 in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras on Sunday.

Previously, the media reported that the use of 'energy sticks' or nasal inhalers had increased among school students.

Online news portal The Star today reported Johor Health and Unity Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said that the ban on the sale of vape products has been in effect since 2016.

He added to date, no business licences have been issued by local authorities in Johor for the sale of vapes and related products.

This statement was made in response to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad's announcement of planned immediate action on the sale of 'energy sticks,' which reportedly gained popularity among minors in Malaysia.

“To date, we have not received any reports on such items being sold in the state; at the same time, we would like to encourage the public to report if they knew of such activities.

“What we need to do is to look into how to monitor the sale of these products online,” he said to the star's reporter.

Therefore, MOH urged that the sale and purchase of this product need to be stopped immediately. Parents and teachers are also advised to monitor their children from using this product.