THE Home Minister has rejected reports portraying drug trafficking activities in Langkawi as being comparable to the operations of notorious international cartels, stressing that the situation on the resort island is not at such a level.
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said comparisons with global drug syndicates led by infamous traffickers such as Pablo Escobar were exaggerated.
“The situation in Langkawi is not to such an extent,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after attending an event at his community service centre in Taman Sejahtera, Lunas, yesterday, Saifuddin Nasution said investigations into drug trafficking activities in Langkawi were being conducted thoroughly.
He said the investigations covered all aspects, including organised criminal networks and allegations involving enforcement officers.
The minister stressed that the police would not shield any individual implicated in such activities, including members of the force itself, and said investigation papers would be opened in accordance with existing laws.
Commenting on a proposal by Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for police to shoot drug dealers, Saifuddin Nasution urged a more measured approach.
He said the issue of drug abuse and trafficking must be handled rationally. - May 16, 2026
