KUALA LUMPUR: The number of people undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for drug abuse nationwide saw a slight decline last year to 191,832, from 192,857 in 2024.
National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said this was a decrease of about 0.5%, but drug abuse continued to affect individuals across various age groups.
He said based on last year's statistics, no drug addiction cases involving children aged between five and 12 were recorded, compared with three cases in 2024.
Meanwhile, the number of young addicts aged 13 to 18 declined to 1,213 from 1,255 previously.
"For the youth category of 19 to 39, a total of 112,632 addicts were recorded last year compared with 116,254 in 2024, while the number among adults aged 40 to 59 increased to 72,590 from 70,188.
"For senior citizens aged 60 and above, the number also rose to 5,397 compared with 5,166 in 2024,” he told a press conference after the Jelajah Aspirasi Bebas Dadah (JABD) programme around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman here on Saturday (March 14) night.
Ruslin said although there was a slight decline last year, the situation did not mean the country was in a comfortable position, as many people, especially parents, were still unfamiliar with the types and forms of drugs, including synthetic drugs.
"Some are also unaware that e-cigarette or vape liquids can be mixed with synthetic drugs, which pose a risk of addiction.
"Synthetic drugs can also have serious effects, including hallucinations that may prevent users from recognising family members or people around them," he said.
He said the JABD programme was a community-based national initiative implemented in stages at the district, state and national levels to raise awareness on the dangers of drugs and promote a healthy lifestyle among grassroots communities.
The programme features two main components: the Post-Care Client Programme (PCCP) to engage with those who have completed the Community-Based Treatment Programme, and the Anti-Drug Message (Pesada) campaign conducted by the Anti-Drug Squad for the public.
Ruslin said AADK also carries out follow-up initiatives through the Aftercare, Follow-up and Peer (AFP) Treatment Support programme to ensure former addicts remain drug-free.
"AADK also mobilises various parties, including the Anti-Drug Squad comprising volunteers among youths aged 18 and above, district-level drug rehabilitation committees and community strategic partners to strengthen drug prevention efforts nationwide,” he said. – Bernama
