THE widespread perception that drug addiction is a problem confined to the poor is misleading, say experts, who stress that substance abuse can affect individuals from all walks of life.
Zamakhshari Muhamad, Chairman of the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Drugs (PEMADAM) in Kelantan, pointed out that the notion linking addiction solely to poverty has long persisted in the public imagination.
"We are often led to believe that the primary cause of drug abuse stems from the lower-income segments of society. The truth is, those who are well-off are also susceptible to falling into the trap of drugs.
“Some become involved due to life pressures, loneliness, environmental influences, or simply from initial curiosity, before eventually becoming ensnared in this problem," he told Bernama.
Zamakhshari, who also chairs the State Committee for Youth, Sports, NGOs, and Community Unity, emphasised that drug issues cannot be resolved through arrests and punishments alone. Instead, he argued that early prevention and active community engagement are crucial.
"The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) implements hundreds of programmes involving families, schools, workplaces, and local communities. This approach is vital because the roots of drug problems usually lie within the environments closest to an individual's daily life," he said.
He added that meaningful change is possible if the community is aware, willing to intervene, and prepared to cooperate with authorities and relevant agencies. "If left unaddressed, drug issues can spread to others," he warned.
Zamakhshari also noted that drug abuse cases in Kelantan have shown a positive trend, with a 7.4 per cent decline this year compared to 2024. According to statistics, the number of registered drug addicts fell from 15,448 in 2024 to 14,320 in 2025, representing a decrease of 1,128 cases. - December 29, 2025
