What may have been intended as a joke has now turned into a serious criminal offence, after a Malaysian man was arrested for placing a vape device into the mouth of a 7-month-old baby — an act that was captured on video and went viral online, sparking widespread public outrage.
The 23-year-old suspect was arrested by the Johor Bahru North criminal investigation unit at around 12.45pm on Monday, just days after the infant’s mother lodged a police report on Saturday, 6 August. According to Johor police, the man was not a stranger but a friend of the mother’s younger sister.
Johor Bahru North district police chief ACP Rupiah Abd Wahid stated that the man had been carrying the baby at the time when he decided to “joke around” by placing what was described as a non-functioning vape device into the child’s mouth.
Outrage Across Social Media Over Child Endangerment
The viral video, believed to have been initially circulated on Twitter, showed the infant with the vape in her mouth — a sight that led to waves of anger and condemnation from netizens. Many expressed deep concern over the dangers of normalising such behaviour and called for authorities to impose strict punishment to deter similar incidents in the future.
Social media platforms were flooded with comments calling the act reckless, with users stressing that even non-functioning devices can present choking hazards or influence unhealthy behaviour in the long term.
Facing Harsh Penalties If Convicted
According to The Star, the suspect has been remanded for five days to assist with ongoing investigations. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years behind bars, a fine of RM50,000 (approximately S$14,400), or both — under Malaysian child endangerment laws.
This incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of child protection laws and the urgent need for greater awareness around responsible caregiving. As vaping becomes more widespread among young adults in Southeast Asia, so too does the risk of irresponsible actions impacting minors.
Authorities have urged the public to report any similar acts involving minors to ensure swift intervention. What might seem like a “harmless prank” can carry lifelong consequences — not just for the child, but for the adult held accountable under the law.