Kampung keluang: A total of 135,000 drug addicts have been recorded nationwide as of June 30 this year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described the figure as alarming and highlighted the government's ongoing collaboration with various agencies to implement strategies aimed at significantly reducing the number of drug addicts in the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized the urgency of addressing the drug addiction issue, stating, "The figure of 135,000 addicts is indeed worrying. For me, even 10 cases would be concerning because it represents a loss of human potential. Our strategy is to bring this number down through comprehensive prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement programmes." He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after launching the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) MADANI Adoption Village and School programme in Kampung Keluang.
Saifuddin Nasution cited records from the Health Ministry, Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, AADK, and the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) to highlight that Kelantan recorded the highest number of drug abuse cases, followed by Terengganu, Perlis, and Kedah. He identified the proximity of these states to Thailand as a key factor contributing to their high number of drug addicts. Furthermore, he noted that about 60% of drug use in these areas involves ecstasy pills and syabu. The majority of addicts fall within the 15 to 35 age bracket, which is considered the country's productive age range.
He elaborated on the socioeconomic impact, stating that if these individuals were not trapped by addiction, they could contribute to Malaysia's workforce of approximately 17 million productive workers. However, their involvement in unhealthy activities impedes the realization of this potential. Most addicts possess Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications or lower, and the majority are unemployed.
Saifuddin underscored the government's commitment through the Home Ministry to ensure that AADK fulfills its critical responsibilities in addressing the drug problem, supported by an annual allocation of about RM400 million. This funding covers the management and maintenance of around 30 rehabilitation centres.
He further outlined AADK's role in managing nearly 53,000 clients, including those in rehabilitation centres, community programmes, and other institutions. Additionally, there are between 11,000 and 12,000 clients under the Health Ministry and about 2,000 in private rehabilitation centres (Puspen). This collective effort aims to mitigate the overall impact of drug addiction in Malaysia.