DRUG abuse among Malaysian youths has reached a deeply concerning level, with children as young as 12 now being detected testing positive for synthetic drugs, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has revealed.
AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the situation had become increasingly serious, citing cases involving schoolchildren in Kelantan where synthetic substances were reportedly being consumed in vape liquid form, including substances known as “Mushroom”.
“This is very dangerous. If they are involved, they will have mental health problems, a high tendency towards suicide, and live in depression and hallucinations.
“So please. We are not here to punish, but to provide treatment. If we take early action, God willing, we can save them,” he said when speaking at the Selangor Drug-Free Aspiration Tour Programme.
He warned that drug abuse among young people is now widespread, with nearly 70 per cent of cases involving individuals aged between 19 and 40.
Ruslin said that last year alone, 191,000 individuals were arrested for drug-related offences, adding that the true scale of the problem was likely higher as many cases remain undetected.
“We have 50,000 individuals under AADK supervision in the community, in addition to 5,000 people at Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (PUSPEN) who are detained for two years.
“So, these are the numbers we have today. My hope is that through this Drug-Free Aspiration Tour programme, with a focus on Kampung Kemensah, I want all members of the community here to play an important role,” he said.
He urged the public to act as the “eyes and ears” of AADK by reporting suspected drug activity and encouraging families affected by addiction to seek treatment.
“Most of our children get involved due to a lack of parental supervision. The problem starts at home because parents do not pay attention.
“If the child goes out at night, they are left alone. Comes home at 2 or 3 in the morning, they are left alone. Does not go to work or school, they are still left alone.
“If a child behaves like that, parents must realise something is wrong.
“We at AADK can tell whether someone is a drug user or not. So I ask all village heads and community leaders to help us. We cannot rely on the police and AADK alone. We need everyone to work together,” he said.
He added that community-based Anti-Drug Squads play a critical frontline role in raising awareness and acting as a bridge between authorities and society in combating drug and substance abuse.
“The Anti-Drug Squad serves as the community’s frontline in delivering awareness messages and acting as the eyes and ears of society on issues of drug abuse and illicit substances,” he said. - May 10, 2026
