Over 10,000 youths arrested in 2022 for various drug cases, Dewan Rakyat told

KUALA LUMPUR: 10,074 individuals aged between 19 to 39 were arrested in 2022 for various drug cases, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that 8,935 individuals in the same age group were arrested in 2021 for drug abuse after failing preliminary urine tests.

“Various approaches were taken by the government to reduce the demand for drugs through preventative education programs,” said Saifuddin in a written reply on Tuesday (Feb 21).

Saifuddin also said the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has implemented programs through the i-cegah model that covers educational programs in public general, selective and focussed engagements, targeting families, education institutions, workplaces and communities.

Saifuddin was responding to Zahari Kechik (PN-Jeli), who asked how many drug users were arrested in 2021 and 2022.