JOHOR BAHRU: They are brightly coloured nasal inhalers that claim to give users an energy boost.
Resembling Airpod cases, these “energy sticks” come in a variety of fruity flavours including mint, peach, grape and even bubblegum.
They are easily found on e-commerce platforms such as Lazada and cost RM2.50 (US$0.52) to RM16 a pop.
But it is unclear exactly what substances the sticks contain, and their popularity among schoolchildren is raising concern among health experts in Malaysia who worry that, like vaping, the sticks could become a gateway to drug abuse.
The trend of children using these nasal inhalers was first reported in China late last year. News outlet South China Morning Post reported in November that the inhalers were selling in the thousands, with secondary school students forming the majority of customers for one online store.
According to reports, the two-pronged inhalers come in a range of fragrances and contain essential oil, menthol, camphor and, in some instances, alcohol.
While most of the inhalers sold on e-commerce platforms in Malaysia appear to be imported from China, their precise contents are not known because they are not registered with Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency or the Ministry of Health.
A key difference between energy sticks (right) and commercial inhalers like Vaporub (left)? The ingredients of the latter are spelled out and users know what they are consuming, health experts say. (Photo: CNA/Zamzahuri Abas)