Young glue sniffers
Date: 17 April 2009
Children as young as nine are indulging in glue sniffing and this is becoming a worrying trend, said the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohamed Idris.
He said a large number of students were getting high not only on glue but also on petrol, lacquer and other intoxicating substances.
He said CAP undertook a random survey in Sungai Petani recently and found youths openly indulging in glue sniffing at a nearby abandoned apartment project.
“There is rampant abuse of intoxicating substances such as glue as it is easily available at 24-hour convenience outlets which sell it in small cans,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Mohamed Idris also said since glue sniffing was not considered a criminal offence in Malaysia, it undermined the seriousness of the habit.
This means glue sniffers, unlike drug users, can indulge in this habit openly without any fear of legal reprisals,” he said.
He also said glue sniffing was perceived as a cheaper alternative to intravenous drug.
“Medical reports state that glue sniffing causes damage to the brain, liver, kidneys and heart, and daily use over a period of six months can cause permanent brain damage.
“Glue sniffers have admitted that the habit kills their appetite, and fumes from the solvents found in the glue, often burn their eyes and leave the body dry,” he said.
Mohamed Idris said youths addicted to glue sniffing easily lost interest in their studies and often skipped classes.
They also become involved in other unhealthy activities such as motorcycle thefts and petty crimes, he said.
Also present, CAP social activist Kamaruddin Kassim said unlike drug abuse, the effects of glue sniffing on users would take effect within two to three months.
He said the glue tins cost between RM2 and RM5 and most of the users who were interviewed said they got hooked on to the habit because of family problems.
“Glue sniffing often becomes the first step towards drug addiction for these youths,” he said.
This article was published in www.thestar.com.my
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