KEPALA BATAS: The Home Ministry has strengthened its response against the nation's evolving drug threat by leveraging big data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify emerging trends and high-risk areas with greater accuracy.
Its secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman said the technology-driven approach is supported by enhanced intelligence sharing among enforcement agencies and community-based intervention programmes to ensure enforcement efforts are more targeted, timely and effective.
"The Madani government remains committed to tackling the drug menace through a comprehensive approach that focuses on demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.
"By harnessing big data analytics and AI, we are able to identify trends and high-risk areas more accurately, allowing interventions to be carried out in a more strategic and impactful manner," he said when reading Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifudin Nasution Ismail's speech at the 2026 National Anti-Drugs Day here on Saturday (June 27)
Awang Alik said the government had also amended the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 to widen access to treatment and rehabilitation for individuals involved in drug and substance abuse.
He said the amendments further strengthened the role of the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) in leading efforts in prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation towards building a safer, healthier and drug-free society.
Awang Alik said Malaysia continued to face significant challenges despite a marginal decline in the number of drug users and addicts.
He said statistics for 2025 recorded 191,832 drug users and addicts, down 0.5% from 192,857 in 2024.
"Although this represents a slight decline, the figure remains worrying and calls for stronger, more integrated and nationwide action involving all stakeholders," he said.
He added that amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), including methamphetamine, ecstasy and yaba pills, remained the most commonly abused drugs in Malaysia.
As of March 2026, 73,611 individuals, or 72.92% of those detected for drug abuse and addiction, were found to be abusing ATS.
Awang Alik said Malaysia had adopted "Drug Prevention is a Shared Responsibility"as the theme for the 2026 National Anti-Drugs Day, stressing that the fight against drugs could not be left solely to the Government, AADK or enforcement agencies.
He called on political leaders, state governments, local authorities, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, the private sector, corporate bodies and local communities to make drug prevention a national agenda that transcends political differences and vested interests.
"The family remains the first line of defence against drug abuse. Strong family bonds and consistent parental supervision are among the most effective safeguards in protecting our children from the dangers of drugs.
"Only through sustained collaboration can we strengthen drug-free community initiatives and safeguard future generations for the well-being of the nation," he said.
Present during the programme were Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib who officiated the event.
Others present included state youth and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, and AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.
Gooi in his speech said the state government remains committed to adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing enforcement, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to address the drug menace more effectively.
He said among the key initiatives being implemented are the Drug-Free Workplace Programme (TEKAD), the Penang Anti-Drug Squad, the Penang Against Drug Threat (PLAD) approach and the Drug-Free Aspirational Village (KABD) programme to strengthen community-level intervention and prevention efforts.
Gooi said the state government also allocating RM325,000 for the implementation of a five-year action plan through 2030 as part of a long-term strategy to build healthier, more resilient and drug-free communities.
“The allocation reflects the state’s commitment to investing in human capital development and ensuring a healthier, safer and more prosperous future for Penang,” he said.
