PUTRAJAYA: A total of 156,316 drug users and substance abusers were recorded nationwide as of September this year, marking a 7.9% decrease compared with 169,691 cases in the same period last year.
National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) continue to dominate drug use trends in Malaysia.
"Of the total individuals detected, 76,467 people (83.2%) were ATS users, mostly aged 15 to 39. Such synthetic drugs can be categorised as the country’s 'clear and present danger', with 84% of all detected users consuming synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine or syabu," he told reporters during a media engagement session on Wednesday (Nov 19).
Ruslin said synthetic drugs remain a pressing concern due to factors such as their low price, ease of production and odourless nature.
"These drugs also have direct, severe effects on mental health, often leading to psychosis, hallucinations and aggressive behaviour. ATS addiction is harder to treat compared with opioid dependence," he said.
Ruslin noted that synthetic drug addiction is one of the agency’s major challenges.
"With synthetic drugs accounting for the majority of cases, ATS users often require more intensive psychosocial treatment, unlike opioid users who may respond well to medicinal therapies such as methadone."
He also warned that vape use is a rapidly spreading threat, especially among youths, and serves as a "gateway" to more serious addictions.
There have been confirmed reports of vape liquids mixed with synthetic drugs or substances like synthetic THC being sold to school students.
"To combat this, we are working closely with the Health Ministry, police and Education Ministry to conduct risk-based monitoring and random screenings in selected schools," he said.
Ruslin stressed that former drug dependants who have completed rehabilitation must be given a genuine second chance to reintegrate into society without facing discrimination or stigma.
"We spend two years rehabilitating them, but when they return home, society must accept them. The stigma needs to go. If the community rejects them, the risk of relapse becomes very high because they feel there is no hope outside," he said.
