If you’ve been scrolling through online shopping apps lately, you’d expect to find lifestyle items, home decor, or tech gadgets. But synthetic drugs sold openly online? That’s where the authorities are drawing the line.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim personally raised deep concerns after discovering that dangerous synthetic drugs—specifically fentanyl-laced substances locally known as “piu-piu”—are making their way into online marketplaces.
Following PM Anwar’s call to action, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been ordered to immediately step in, meet with online platforms, and crack down on these illegal listings. Here is what is happening and why authorities are putting e-commerce giants on notice.
What exactly is ‘piu-piu’?
“Piu-piu” refers to synthetic drugs, often containing fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid. Earlier this year, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Narcotics Crime Investigation Department raised alarm bells after finding syndicates mixing “piu-piu” into vape liquids.
While it may look like an ordinary vape liquid, authorities have warned that “piu-piu” is a dangerous synthetic drug trend that poses severe health risks to youth.
According to police advisories, “piu-piu” contains substances such as etomidate and can be mixed with other lethal synthetic drugs. Syndicates favour the substance because it is cheap, easy to disguise, and sold online with inconsistent chemical concentrations—making its effects unpredictable and far stronger than users expect.
With the drug often disguised using sweet smells and innocent packaging, authorities are urging parents and educators to remain vigilant as syndicates attempt to target younger demographics.
MCMC is holding e-commerce platforms accountable
In response to the growing threat of synthetic drugs being distributed via online networks, Minister Fahmi Fadzil made it clear that online space cannot become a safe haven for narcotics syndicates. MCMC is scheduling direct enforcement meetings with platform operators linked to these listings.
“If these communications networks are not secure and users lack the knowledge or skills to protect themselves, it will not only enable drugs to be sold more widely, but also give rise to other problems, including scams,” said Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
The tough questions raised by MCMC
Taking down a product listing after it gets reported isn’t enough anymore. Direct feedback and questions raised by MCMC and Minister Fahmi Fadzil highlight the need for real systemic change from tech companies:
Have e-commerce platforms done enough to prevent this?
When illicit drugs can be marketed through digital platforms, the issue isn’t simply how quickly content is taken down. The core question is how responsible these platforms are in preventing such sales from happening in the first place.
Is blocking keywords actually effective?
Sellers can easily use alternative terms, register new profiles, or use fake accounts to evade detection. To what extent are platform seller verification, monitoring, and prevention mechanisms truly effective in closing these loopholes for good?
Who bears responsibility when digital spaces are abused for drug dealing?
This raises a much larger conversation around platform accountability and their obligation to ensure the services they provide do not become a channel for criminal activity.
Moving towards a safer internet and communities
With digital connectivity expanding rapidly across Malaysia—including rural areas through initiatives like NADI and PKD—ensuring digital safety is a top priority. MCMC’s active intervention aims to ensure that as internet access grows, digital platforms remain safe from illegal syndicates targeting young or vulnerable users.
