PETALING JAYA: The move to tighten controls on chemicals linked to illegal drug manufacturing shows an escalated approach towards the fight against drugs, but chemistry experts say it may impact legitimate usages as well.
“These restrictions will affect research and education applications, and related industries,” said Prof Dr Mohammad Kassim of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology.
He explained that such chemicals are used in research for fine chemicals, synthetic compounds and industries (pharmaceuticals and polymers).
“Currently these synthetic chemicals are imported and if it’s controlled, this too may affect the manufacturers,” he added.
While natural alternatives can be used for research and educational purposes, he said they may pose challenges and may not be viable for commercial use.
Two Custom Orders on the prohibition of imports and exports, which took effect on Jan 15, had listed a range of chemicals which would require special licences for their imports or exports.
The move was introduced as the chemicals are “ingredients” that could be misused to produce synthetic drugs.
Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Rizal Razali of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Chemical Sciences said the government’s move might have minimal impact on legitimate industries that use these chemicals in preparing their products.
“Most of these chemicals are used in agriculture (to prepare fertilisers), pharmaceuticals (for medicine) and in the plastics industry as well.
“Chemists can find other alternatives for manufacturers and affected industries, although it might take some time to adapt as we need to re-synthesise the formulas,” he said.
He acknowledged that the government’s bid to control these substances could reduce issues related to the production of illegal drugs.
“All these chemicals are readily available. They can be turned into synthetic drugs (which are illegal).
“As such, he said the licensing requirement is a good step “because some of these chemicals are harmful to society, especially BMK glycidic acid.
“This chemical is primarily used to prepare illegal drugs such as methamphetamine,” he said.
USM criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy, when contacted, said the latest approach reflects an increased focus in disrupting supply chains as opposed to just concentrating on street level enforcement.
“By adding several chemicals to a list of items that cannot be imported or exported without a special licence, the authorities are signalling a more interventionist stance toward substances that have repeatedly been exploited by organised drug networks,” he said.
“These compounds are widely believed to be used as precursor chemicals in the manufacture of synthetic drugs, including MDMA.”
These precursor chemicals, he added, are “enablers” of crime.
“Without access to them, large-scale clandestine drug production becomes significantly more difficult,” Mohd Rizal said.
He said the licensing requirement could also assist the authorities in traceability efforts, making it harder for criminals to divert chemicals from legitimate supply chains without detection.
According to him, there is evidence on the international level that such control mechanisms could produce gains, even if they are temporary.
“Restricting access to key chemicals increases production costs, raises the risks of detection and disrupts the efficiency of illicit laboratories. In the short term, this can reduce supply, delay distribution and create instability within criminal networks,” Sundramoorthy said.
However, he cautioned against overestimating the long-term impact of such a move if implemented in isolation.
“Organised crime groups involved in synthetic drug production are highly adaptive.
“When particular precursors are restricted, they often switch to alternative chemicals, modify production methods or source materials through illegal cross-border routes.”
Their adaptability means that chemical controls must be regularly reviewed and updated, supported by intelligence gathering and regional cooperation, to avoid becoming obsolete, he added.
