Vulnerable to Abuse for Intoxication, Commission IX of the DPR asks the Government to limit the sale of Whip Phink

Member of Commission IX of the DPR Asep Romy Romaya asked the government to immediately limit the sale of pink whips or Nitrous Oxide (N2O) gas chargers. According to him, circulation without strict supervision will threaten young people who misuse it for a moment of euphoria.

"The indiscriminate use of pink whips is very risky. The effects can cause respiratory disorders, nerve damage, to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. This is not a toy that can be sold freely without control," Asep Romy told reporters, Monday, February 2.

For information, the pink whip is a pressurized gas tube intended for the needs of professional culinary industries as a propellant for whipped cream. However, currently, the product is sold freely on online and offline platforms and is often misused by being inhaled.

Asep Romy, who sits on the health commission, also urged the relevant ministries and agencies to immediately tighten regulations on the circulation of N2O. He asked that sales be restricted to only controlled industrial and professional sectors.

"Strictly prohibit its sale to the general public or individuals outside the technical provisions," he said.

He also regretted the current weak supervision which made the product very easy for children and adolescents to access. According to Asep Romy, the government must act preventively before there are casualties due to the misuse of chemical substances.

"The government should not wait until there is a big case before taking action. There must be discipline and firm action against those who sell indiscriminately, both in offline stores and marketplaces," he said.

In addition to tightening regulations, Asep also emphasized the importance of massive education to the public regarding the dangers of inhaling N2O gas. He reminded that the long-term side effects of abusing this gas can permanently damage the central nervous system.

"This is about public safety. The state must be present to protect citizens through strict regulations and clear education, not just being reactive after there are casualties," concluded Asep.