East Coast states have been identified as recording the highest rates of synthetic drug abuse in Malaysia, particularly involving yaba pills, according to the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the trend reflects the growing use of synthetic drugs, which now account for the majority of drug abuse cases nationwide.
He said the East Coast continues to record some of the highest numbers of users, with yaba pills and methamphetamine emerging as the drugs of choice over traditional substances such as heroin and cannabis.
Speaking at the National Anti-Drugs Day 2026 celebration, Ruslin noted that amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), including methamphetamine, yaba pills and ecstasy, are becoming increasingly popular among drug users across the country.
He revealed that youths aged between 15 and 39 make up 84 per cent of all synthetic drug abusers, describing the figure as deeply worrying as it involves the country’s future workforce and development.
According to him, synthetic drugs are increasingly being viewed by some young people as part of a modern lifestyle because they are easier to obtain and produce faster effects than conventional drugs.
Ruslin said peer influence remains the leading factor behind youth involvement in synthetic drug abuse, while family problems, domestic conflicts, emotional stress and social issues also contribute to the growing problem.
He added that the sharp rise in synthetic drug abuse presents a new challenge for AADK, as existing treatment and rehabilitation programmes were originally designed to address addiction to traditional drugs such as heroin, morphine and cannabis.
To address the changing drug landscape, AADK is continuously improving its rehabilitation modules to ensure they remain effective, particularly in tackling synthetic drug abuse, which is now also linked to the growing use of vape products among youths.
