JERTIH: A total of 135,000 drug addicts have been recorded nationwide as of June 30 this year.
Describing the figure as alarming, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail 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. For me, even 10 cases would be concerning because it represents a loss of human potential.
“Our strategy is to bring this number down through comprehensive prevention, rehabilitation and enforcement programmes,” he said after launching the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Madani Adoption Village and School programme in Kg Keluang here yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said that according to records by the Health Ministry, Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, AADK and the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre, 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, Bernama reported.
“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 – the country’s productive age range.
“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.
Saifuddin Nasution added that the government, through the Home Ministry, will continue to ensure that AADK carries out its critical responsibilities in addressing the drug problem, with an annual allocation of about RM400mil per year.
