KUALA LUMPUR: More than 97,000 individuals used synthetic drugs from January to June this year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said this makes up over 72% of the 134,916 recorded drug users and addicts in the same period.
He was responding to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN–Jelebu), who asked about the extent of synthetic drug problems.
On this, Saifuddin said the government is intensifying prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation efforts to curb these increasingly dangerous substances.
He said key initiatives include public awareness campaigns targeting families, schools, workplaces and communities.
“These include programmes such as Family on Alert, PINTAR, Tomorrow’s Leader, Sayangi Hidup Elak Derita Selamanya, Tempat Kerja Bebas Dadah and SMART,” he said.
Saifuddin added a National Anti Drug Communication Plan was developed to prevent the spread among youths.
He said the plan targets all age groups with a focus on young people to strengthen long term strategy.
On enforcement, he said joint operations with police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and other agencies will be intensified.
“A major policy shift came into effect on August 22 with amendments to the Drug Dependants Act 1983,” said Saifuddin
He said the revised law expands access to treatment and encourages voluntary treatment for all groups, including youths.
Saifuddin added it aims to reduce stigma and improve recovery pathways.
He said synthetic drugs remain a serious and evolving threat.
He added the government remains committed to prevention, enforcement and comprehensive rehabilitation.
