MALAYSIA is facing a deepening drug crisis, with a total of 192,857 individuals identified as drug users or addicts nationwide, 61 percent of whom are aged between 15 and 39, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“Of this group, 96 percent are male, primarily influenced by peer pressure and curiosity,” he said in a statement today following the first Cabinet Committee Meeting on Eradicating Drug Abuse for 2025.
The states with the highest incidence of drug abuse per 100,000 population are Kelantan (1,130), Terengganu (974), Perlis (965), and Kedah (898).
“In view of these increasingly complex trends and challenges, today’s meeting has approved the National Anti-Drug Communication Plan 2025–2027, which adopts a comprehensive and targeted approach,” Zahid said.
The meeting also addressed new drug-related threats, including flavoured vape products containing psychoactive substances.
The National Poison Centre has detected a mushroom-flavoured vape containing psilocybin and psilocin—compounds that can cause hallucinations and mental disturbances.
“This substance poses a high risk to children and youth and requires urgent and aggressive enforcement,” Zahid warned.
In terms of surveillance, the Ministry of Home Affairs will adopt the Crime Data Network Analysis system to better identify drug-related crime patterns and improve strategic responses.
For treatment and rehabilitation, the government is streamlining processes through a Single Point Entry approach at National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Drug Assessment Centres (DACs).
“This method expedites screening and intervention for detainees without waiting for pathology results. As of 5 April 2025, 261 individuals have undergone evaluation at the DAC in Kuala Muda, Kedah,” Zahid reported.
He affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the National Drug Policy (DDN), encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and enforcement. - May 19, 2025
