THE Sabah Education Department is investigating complaints on the consumption of the Ghost Smoke candy among Papar students.

Director Mistirine Radin said school principals have been instructed to discourage students from buying the sweets.

“The candy is sold outside schools. We have issued instructions to principals, to tell their students that the candy violates the Food Act 1983 as the food additives are not listed on the packaging,” she said in a statement today.

She said the department has circulated a Health Ministry statement that consuming the candy is not allowed.

“Schools are subjected to Education Ministry guidelines on food sold at their canteens. The Ghost Smoke candy falls in the category of food that cannot be sold on school premises.”

Yesterday, the Health Ministry said it has launched an investigation into the sale of the candy nationwide, following reports that parents are concerned about the easy availability of the sweets, which resemble cigarettes and have a smoke-like effect when sucked. – Bernama, July 23, 2019.