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THEY are abusing muscle spray in other countries too.
Recent reports in Malaysian newspapers pointed to a rising trend among young abusers there.
The New Sunday Times reported earlier this month that some tertiary students 'sprayed muscle relaxant into their mouths' and later became 'violent' and fought in class.
Two years ago, Harian Metro reported the abuse of 'laughing gas' (nitrous oxide) among tertiary students who wanted 'an outlet from the pressure of their studies'.
Some brazen youths have even posted inhalant experiences on YouTube.
A few are shown in what appears to be school uniforms but it is not known where they are from.
One video was labelled 'inhaling laughing gas at workplace'.
Countries like the US, Sweden and Spain have also reported this type of abuse.
There have been several deaths in these countries as well.
Dangerous
Mr Daniel Koh, 38, a psychologist at Insights Mind Centres said that these youths just want to make a 'statement'.
'They are just saying: 'I'm daring, I'm different from all of you.'
'They think that such behaviour will advance their social standing.'
Mr Koh said that it is even more dangerous when 'they influence other people who may look up to them'.
But is it just harmless fun?
Not at all, said Mr Koh.
'These youths... are not able to distinguish between right and wrong.'
'Such inhalants induce disorientation, delusion or confusion. These may get them into accidents and they may hurt themselves.'
Nurul Asyikin Mohd Nasir, newsroom intern
This article was first published in The New Paper.
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