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Number of commercial vehicle drivers using methamphetamine on the rise
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Crime & Justice

Number of commercial vehicle drivers using methamphetamine on the rise

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A joint operation by Malaysia's National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) found an increasing trend of drug use among commercial vehicle drivers.
  • Syabu (methamphetamine) was the most detected drug, followed by cannabis and ketum.
  • Authorities are concerned about the safety risks posed by drivers using stimulants to work longer hours, leading to potential loss of control.

Malaysia's National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have observed a worrying increase in drug use among commercial vehicle drivers, particularly involving methamphetamine, commonly known as syabu. A joint operation conducted in Seremban revealed that syabu is the preferred stimulant for many drivers.

We found that syabu is the drug most often chosen by drivers, alongside ketum which is also becoming a new trend.

— Datuk Ruslin JusohDirector-General of AADK, explaining the findings of a joint operation on drug use among commercial drivers.

During the operation, 244 drivers were screened, with 22 testing positive for drugs. Of these, 14 tested positive for syabu, two for cannabis, and six for ketum. AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh stated that drivers use syabu because it acts as a stimulant, allowing them to work longer hours. However, he warned that as the drug's effects wear off, drivers can lose control, increasing the risk of accidents.

The trend is particularly concerning as it involves drivers of commercial vehicles, whose impaired judgment and control could endanger numerous road users. The age group most affected, between 19 and 39 years old, accounts for approximately 70 percent of drug addiction cases, according to AADK data. Synthetic drugs like syabu, ketamine, and ecstasy now constitute about 80 percent of drug use, with ketum also emerging as a new trend.

They take syabu because it is a stimulant that allows them to work longer hours, but when its effects begin to diminish, they will lose control, and that situation can cause accidents.

— Datuk Ruslin JusohDirector-General of AADK, explaining the dangers of syabu use by drivers.

Drivers who test positive are detained for further investigation and may face a 14-day remand order. During this period, authorities gather comprehensive information about their drug use, employment, and employers before treatment or rehabilitation decisions are made. Additionally, companies employing drivers found to be using drugs may also face action, as the authorities collaborate with the Land Public Transport Agency to address the issue.

The trend of syabu and ketum use among drivers has been increasing over the past five years.

— Datuk Aedy Fadly RamliDirector-General of JPJ, commenting on the rising drug use among commercial vehicle drivers.
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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