Kuala lumpur: Drug offences have been identified as a primary hub driving systemic crime in the country, linking at least 28 other types of crime, including theft, housebreaking, and violence. National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusuh revealed these findings, which were based on a research report by the Home Ministry's Data Science Centre through a network analysis of Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the persistent issue of drug abuse has the potential to trigger a resurgence of other systemically linked crimes. National statistics indicated a rise in drug addicts and abusers, with figures increasing from 123,139 individuals in 2021 to 137,176 in 2022, and further to 145,526 in 2023. The number peaked at 192,857 individuals in 2024 before slightly declining to 191,832 last year.
In Sabah, a five-year record showed an increase from 6,377 individuals in 2021 to 9,207 in 2024, before a slight decrease to 8,665 last year. Despite a drop in numbers, Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) or syabu remained prevalent, involving 8,524 individuals, surpassing other drug categories.
Ruslin highlighted challenges posed by changing drug abuse trends and the rise of synthetic drugs. The emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) mixed into vape liquids complicates detection efforts. The presence of illicit substances resembling everyday items and societal stigma against recovering individuals further complicate AADK's efforts in Sabah.
Regarding age demographics, youth aged 19 to 39 accounted for 65.06 percent of total addicts in Sabah, followed by those aged 40 to 59 and adolescents aged 13 to 18. Males were predominantly involved, with 8,172 individuals, compared to 493 females.
AADK identified several hotspots for distribution and addiction, including Manggatal, Putatan, Merotai, and Balung, among others. The involvement of youth has negatively impacted family institutions and strained household income, with daily drug supply costs estimated between RM30 and RM100.
To combat this issue, AADK is implementing community-based prevention strategies, such as the SKUAD 2 Roda Tour, which spreads anti-drug messages in rural areas. Strategic cooperation is also in place through the Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) and various educational prevention programs.
Ruslin emphasized the critical nature of these efforts to ensure the Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations remain untarnished by drug threats. As of August this year, 360 individuals were undergoing Institutional Medical Treatment, and 1,237 individuals were in the Community Medical Treatment Programme.
Sabah's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, reiterated the government's stance against making the state a transit route or target market for drug trafficking, following successful drug seizures worth over RM240 million under Ops Coleoptera and Ops Bayu 2.