Tanah merah: The issue of drug abuse continues to plague Kelantan, as statistics show that it has consistently recorded the highest number of cases, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He stated that statistics released by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) clearly show that the problem has yet to be effectively addressed in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid expressed his disappointment that Kelantan still leads the nation in drug abuse, a statistic confirmed by various agencies. As the chairman of the National Anti-Drugs Cabinet Committee, he emphasized that it is not appropriate for any party to shirk responsibility and assume that it is solely the duty of others.

Ahmad Zahid made these remarks after opening the Tanah Merah UMNO division delegates meeting. He urged all parties to set aside political differences to jointly address the issues of drug abuse and crime, particularly in opposition-led states. He emphasized the need for cooperation among all parties, including enforcement agencies, to tackle the problem together.

Touching on drug smuggling activities in Kelantan, Ahmad Zahid pointed out that the state's location, bordering another country, influences these activities. He noted that the age of drug addicts is decreasing, with some getting involved as early as 10 years old. He explained that drug traffickers use tactics like offering free supplies at the start, which leads to addiction, and called for cooperation from all parties to combat the issue.

Addressing a statement by PAS vice-president Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, who claimed that the federal government had restricted development and allocations for Kelantan since 1990, Ahmad Zahid firmly denied the claim. He stated that Kelantan has consistently received attention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during every official visit to the state.

Ahmad Zahid highlighted that Kelantan has received emergency assistance from the federal government during incidents like the landslide and major floods. He stressed that most development projects in Kelantan depend on federal government funding, urging state leaders to acknowledge this fact and not twist it to mislead people or create discord.