A total of 135,000 drug addicts have been recorded in Malaysia up to June 30 this year, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the figure is alarming, and the government, together with various agencies, continues to implement strategies aimed at significantly reducing drug abuse nationwide.
“Even 10 cases are worrying to me because it represents a loss of human capital. Our strategy is to reduce this number through prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement programs,” he said during the launch of the National Anti-Drug Agency’s (AADK) Kampung Angkat and Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative in Kampung Keluang on Saturday.
Based on records from the Ministry of Health (KKM), Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, AADK, and the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen), Kelantan recorded the highest number of drug abuse cases, followed by Terengganu, Perlis, and Kedah.
Saifuddin said the proximity of these states to Thailand is a major factor contributing to the high number of addicts, with around 60 percent of drug use involving pil kuda (methamphetamine pills) and syabu.
“The majority of addicts are between 15 and 35 years old – a productive age group. If they were not involved in drug abuse, they could have contributed to Malaysia’s 17 million-strong workforce. Unfortunately, this potential is lost because of unhealthy activities,” he said.
In terms of education, most addicts have SPM-level qualifications or lower, while a significant portion are unemployed.
The government, through the Home Ministry, allocates about RM400 million annually to AADK to address drug abuse issues. The funds are used to operate and maintain about 30 rehabilitation centers nationwide. AADK also manages nearly 53,000 clients, including those in rehabilitation centers, communities, and other institutions.
Additionally, between 11,000 and 12,000 clients are under the Ministry of Health, while around 2,000 are in private rehabilitation centers. Saifuddin said this combined effort helps reduce the impact of drug abuse in the country.
