The National Anti-Drug Agency (Nada) is facing a growing challenge as more clients are experiencing mental health issues linked to synthetic drug use, despite rehabilitation remaining its main focus. Director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said psychological complications are now common among users of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as syabu, yaba, “pil kuda,” ecstasy and other lab-produced substances. He noted that the trend is rising among youths, with synthetic drugs increasingly available in liquid form for electronic cigarettes.
Ruslin said treating this group is becoming more difficult, as many suffer both addiction and mental health problems. Synthetic drugs, he added, remain popular due to their low cost, easy accessibility and the stronger, faster highs they produce compared to plant-based drugs.
Although Nada has recorded a year-on-year decrease in overall drug user numbers, the surge in synthetic drug use—especially through vape and “weed pen” cartridges—continues to be a major concern. Some vape liquids are found to contain synthetic cannabinoids, while products referred to as “magic mushrooms” by users are often synthetic imitations rather than actual psychoactive fungi.
Between January and September this year, Nada registered 156,316 drug users and abusers nationwide, a 7.9% drop from 169,691 during the same period last year. ATS users made up the overwhelming majority, with 76,467 individuals—or 83.2%—aged between 15 and 39.
