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70 Percent of Malaysian Youth Involved in Synthetic Drug Abuse
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Crime & Justice

70 Percent of Malaysian Youth Involved in Synthetic Drug Abuse

From Utusan Malaysia · (1h ago) Malay Critical tone

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nearly 70% of Malaysian youth aged 19-40 are involved in synthetic drug abuse, according to the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
  • This trend indicates a serious rise in drug addiction among the younger generation, with synthetic drugs being increasingly accessible.
  • AADK is monitoring approximately 50,000 individuals and has placed nearly 5,000 addicts in rehabilitation centers, while also urging community and parental involvement to combat the issue.

The alarming statistics revealed by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) in Malaysia paint a grim picture of the escalating synthetic drug problem among the nation's youth. Utusan Malaysia reports that nearly 70% of individuals aged 19 to 40 are entangled in the abuse of these substances, a trend that Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, the Director-General of AADK, describes as a serious concern for the younger generation.

Setakat tahun 2025 seramai 191,000 individu ditahan atas pelbagai kesalahan berkaitan dadah manakala ramai lagi dipercayai masih bebas tanpa sebarang tindakan penguatkuasaan.

— Datuk Ruslin JusohThe Director-General of AADK highlighted the scale of drug-related arrests and the number of individuals believed to be still at large.

The accessibility of synthetic drugs appears to be a significant factor, contributing to a substantial portion of addiction cases among teenagers. AADK's efforts are extensive, involving the monitoring of tens of thousands of individuals and the rehabilitation of thousands more. However, the agency emphasizes that the fight against drug abuse cannot be solely reliant on enforcement agencies like the police and AADK. It requires a concerted effort from the entire community, including youth and local leaders.

Selain itu, sebanyak 70 peratus kes penagihan melibatkan remaja ketika ini dipercayai berpunca daripada penggunaan dadah sintetik yang semakin mudah diperoleh.

— Datuk Ruslin JusohHe pointed out that 70% of current addiction cases involve synthetic drugs due to their increasing availability.

Parents are urged to be more vigilant, recognizing early warning signs such as behavioral changes, truancy, and withdrawal from work or social activities. The report also highlights the disturbing trend of drug abuse starting as early as age 12, with concerning mentions of vape liquids mixed with illicit substances. AADK hopes that communities like Kampung Kemensah can serve as models for drug-free living through sustained cooperation between residents, local authorities, and the agency. This national challenge underscores the importance of community-based initiatives and parental guidance in safeguarding Malaysia's future generation from the pervasive threat of drug addiction.

AADK ketika ini turut memantau kira-kira 50,000 individu di bawah pengawasan, selain menempatkan hampir 5,000 penagih di Pusat Pemulihan Penagihan Narkotik (Puspen) seluruh negara

— Datuk Ruslin JusohHe detailed the agency's ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation efforts for drug addicts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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