Muhyiddin: Ban ketum planting now before its use becomes widespread

PUTRAJAYA: The government is looking at a total ban on the planting of ketum in Malaysia before its use becomes too widespread, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Home Minister said ketum is currently not categorised as a dangerous drug but it can be harmful if consumed.

"We discussed the issue of ketum planting at length and we feel that it should be banned.

"We are proposing that this matter is brought to Cabinet for approval.

"If we do not propose to ban it now, its usage could become too widespread, which is too late," said Muhyiddin after chairing an action committee meeting with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) here.

Muhyiddin said there is no control over the planting of ketum because it is not classified as a dangerous drug.

"There have been cases where Malaysia exports ketum to Thailand, where it is banned. Even Thailand realises that it should be banned," said Muhyiddin.

Ketum is a plant that is abundant in the northern states and has been used to as a painkiller as well as energy boosters.

Its abuse, however, can lead to addiction.