JERTIH: A total of 135,000 drug addicts have been recorded nationwide as of June 30 this year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Describing the figure as alarming, the Home Minister said the government, in collaboration with various agencies, is continuously implementing strategies to significantly reduce the number of drug addicts in the country.
"The figure of 135,000 addicts is indeed worrying. Our strategy is to bring this number down through comprehensive prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement programmes,” he told reporters after launching the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Madani Adoption Village and School programme in Kampung Keluang, here on Saturday (Sept 13).
Saifuddin Nasution said according to records, Kelantan recorded the highest number of drug abuse cases, followed by Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah.
He said the location of the four states, which border neighbouring Thailand, has been identified as the main factor contributing to their high number of drug addicts.
He added that about 60% of drug use in the four states involves ecstasy pills and syabu, and based on the addicts’ profiles, most fall within the 15 to 35 age group.
"If they were not trapped by addiction, they could have contributed to Malaysia’s workforce of about 17 million productive workers. Unfortunately, their involvement in unhealthy activities prevents this potential from being realised.
"In terms of education level, most of them have SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) qualifications or below. Employment-wise, the majority are unemployed,” he said.
Saifuddin said the government will continue to ensure that AADK carries out its critical responsibilities in addressing the drug problem, with an annual allocation of about RM400 million per year.
The allocation includes the management and maintenance of about 30 rehabilitation centres, he said.
He said AADK is also tasked with managing nearly 53,000 clients, including those in rehabilitation centres, community programmes, and other institutions.
"There are also between 11,000 and 12,000 clients under the Health Ministry, as well as around 2,000 clients in private rehabilitation centres (Puspen). This combined effort helps to reduce the overall impact of drug addiction in Malaysia,” he said. — Bernama
