Drug Abuse Case Hike Hits Alarming Level Says Home Minister

---

Drug abuse has surged over the past three years, with 192,857 cases reported last year, highlighting the severity of the issue, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. NSTP/NOORAZURA ABDUL RAHMANKULIM: Drug abuse has surged over the past three years, with 192,857 cases reported last year, highlighting the severity of the issue, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
He added that the number of drug abuse cases stood at 145,526 in 2023 and 137,176 in 2022, reflecting a worrying upward trend.
Saifuddin said that the most concerning aspect is that around 61 per cent of those involved in drug abuse cases are between the ages of 15 and 39.
These figures were compiled by four agencies namely the police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada), the Health Ministry, and private rehabilitation centres.
"The states with the highest recorded cases of drug abuse are Kelantan, followed by Terengganu, Perlis, and Kedah—all of which are located near international borders.
"At the district level, the highest number of cases per 100,000 residents was recorded in Pendang, Kedah, followed by Kuala Krai and Bachok in Kelantan," he said during a press conference at the Nada Community Programme in Padang Serai today.
Saifuddin added that last year's statistics showed a rise in the use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), particularly methamphetamine, commonly known as syabu, as well as ecstasy.
These substances accounted for an increase of 34.4 per cent, or 103,990 cases, compared to the previous year.
Saifuddin said that synthetic drug abuse is not the only growing concern, as the use of conventional drugs such as cannabis has also risen sharply, with 7,121 additional cases recorded, which is an increase of 63.4 per cent.
"Given the severity of this issue, the police, Nada, political leaders, and community leaders, including those in schools, must find common ground to collaborate.
"We may have differences on other matters, but on this issue, we must all be involved in finding a solution," he said.
He added that border control and enforcement efforts, particularly along Sungai Golok, are being continuously strengthened, including the deployment of the General Operations Force Senoi Praaq unit.
"We are also tightening border checkpoints from Padang Besar, Perlis, to Bukit Kayu Hitam.
"However, at the same time, if awareness campaigns do not run effectively, enforcement alone will not be enough.
" A collective effort is needed to tackle this issue," he said. - NST

---