A total of 134,916 drug addicts and abusers were recorded nationwide as of June, underscoring the growing seriousness of the drug threat in Malaysia.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the figure is a clear sign that drugs are not a minor issue but a major threat to the country’s social and economic stability.
“In Pahang alone, during the same period, 9,452 addicts were recorded, equivalent to a rate of 567 addicts per 100,000 population. Most of those involved are young people aged between 15 and 35,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Pahang Strong Controlled Drugs Tour (PTDT) 2025, officiated by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at Dewan Balora Mastika, Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, today.
Saifuddin noted that synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and ketamine remain the main choice for addicts compared with traditional drugs, with their spread becoming increasingly widespread.
He also highlighted the worrying situation in Felda areas in Pahang, where factors such as a lack of beneficial social activities, neglect of education, and weak community supervision have made these areas more exposed to drug problems.
Currently, 53,800 clients are undergoing treatment at the National Anti-Drugs Agency’s (AADK) Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (PUSPEN) and district offices nationwide, while 1,917 others are receiving treatment at private rehabilitation centres, he said.
According to Saifuddin, the AADK focuses on four main pillars: enforcement, prevention, treatment and humane rehabilitation.
“The government cannot act alone. Efforts to combat drugs must be carried out collectively with the cooperation of state governments, related agencies and society,” he added.
