KEPALA BATAS: Synthetic drugs now account for 73% of all drug abuse cases in Malaysia, with amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as syabu (methamphetamine), yaba and ecstasy making up the bulk of cases, says the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK)
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said East Coast states continue to record among the highest rates of synthetic drug abuse in the country, particularly involving yaba (pil kuda).
ALSO READ: Rising trend of 'dual diagnosis' of drug addiction, mental health issues, says AADK DG
"Overall, just over 20% of drug abuse cases involve traditional drugs, while more than 70% involve synthetic drugs," he told reporters after the 2026 National Anti-Drugs Day celebration here at Kampung Titi Merdeka on Saturday (June 27).
Although the East Coast continues to record some of the highest rates of synthetic drug abuse, Ruslin said the problem was also widespread in the West Coast states.
"The difference is that yaba and syabu remain the drugs of choice in the East Coast, while the abuse of traditional drugs such as heroin and cannabis is comparatively lower," he said.
The agency also warned of a growing shift towards synthetic substances among young Malaysians, with youths aged between 15 and 39 accounting for 84% of all synthetic drug users, and the figure continuing to rise.
Ruslin said peer influence remained the biggest factor driving young people to abuse synthetic drugs.
"Our greatest concern is that synthetic drugs are increasingly becoming part of a culture or lifestyle among youths.
“These drugs are easily accessible and produce a much faster intoxicating effect than traditional drugs, allowing users to get high almost immediately," he said.
Besides peer pressure, Ruslin said family problems, domestic conflicts and relationship issues were also contributing factors, with some individuals turning to drugs as a way to cope with emotional distress and anxiety.
He said the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs had created new challenges for AADK, which had traditionally focused its treatment and rehabilitation efforts on users of heroin, morphine and cannabis.
"With the sharp increase in synthetic drug abuse, we have had to continuously review and strengthen our rehabilitation modules to ensure they remain effective in addressing the changing nature of drug addiction," he added.
