Her concern was shared by Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad who said an investigation would be conducted into the sale of the sweets, which are reported to be freely available in some Sabah towns.

Wan Azizah, who is also minister for women, family and community development, said: “I don’t want this matter to become a social ill spreading to young children.”

Dzulkefly said it was appalling that the cigarette-like product was unscrupulously being sold and marketed to schoolchildren.

He said the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry would investigate. “We have observed the issue and will take immediate action. We cannot allow it,” he said.

Parents have expressed their fears after the media highlighted the sale of the tube-shaped sweets which emit smoke when sucked.