PETALING JAYA – A former member of the Malaysian Air Force, Mr. Mohd Radzi Mustaffa, has tragically passed away just days after issuing a heartfelt warning to others about the dangers of vaping. The 44-year-old, who had been hospitalized due to severe respiratory issues linked to his vaping habit, shared his story on social media before his death on May 7.
In a poignant six-minute TikTok video posted on April 28 under the handle @radzirockrider, Mr. Radzi, affectionately known as Abang Rock, recounted how he turned to vaping as a means to cope with work-related stress. He described how he would often ride his motorcycle with a vape device in one hand, unaware of the toll it would take on his health.
Mr. Radzi revealed that his vaping habit ultimately led to a weakened heart. After attempting to quit, he experienced acute shortness of breath just two days later, prompting an emergency hospital visit. In the video, he is seen lying in a hospital bed, visibly struggling to breathe and coughing violently. He holds up a surgical bag that contained chest tubes used to drain abscess fluid from his lungs.
“The medical team had to sedate me and put me on oxygen. This bag is for draining yellow fluid and pus from my lungs,” he explained. He further stated, “The damage from vaping is severe. It’s worse than smoking. My heart is functioning at only 3 percent.”
In a powerful message directed at vape users, especially the youth, Mr. Radzi cautioned, “A vape device is not a toy. Quit vaping while you still can. Stop now before it harms your lungs and heart.”
Following his passing, TikTok users expressed their condolences to Mr. Radzi’s family and shared their own experiences with vaping. One user recounted frequent illnesses during their time as a vape user, while another thanked Mr. Radzi for his warning, stating, “This is valuable advice for me and everyone who has seen it. It motivates me to quit for my health. Thank you, brother.”
This tragic incident has reignited discussions about the health risks associated with vaping, particularly among younger populations. Experts are calling for a unified policy across Malaysia to regulate the sale of vape products, as many young smokers are shifting from traditional cigarettes to vaping and heated tobacco products.
As the conversation continues, the legacy of Mr. Radzi’s final message serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of vaping and the importance of prioritizing health.