KEPALA BATAS: Synthetic drugs currently account for 73% of drug abuse cases in the country, posing an increased risk of “dual diagnosis” among addicts, says Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.
The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general warned that the growing use of synthetic drugs, particularly through vape devices among young people, has led to a sharp increase in the number of addicts suffering from mental health issues.
“It leads to more cases involving dual diagnosis. They suffer from both drug addiction and mental health disorders,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of the 2026 National Anti-Drug Day here yesterday.
Between January and March this year, 1,346, or 27% of the 5,030 individuals undergoing treatment at rehabilitation centres or through community-based programmes, were identified as having a dual diagnosis.
This was a sharp increase from the same period in 2025, when 548 individuals, or 6% of the 9,361 addicts receiving treatment, were found to have the same condition.
“The mental health issues vary. Some suffer from depression, while others experience hallucinations or psychological instability.
“In some cases, there is a risk of self-harm and suicidal tendencies, which require immediate intervention,” he said.
Ruslin noted that synthetic drugs, such as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), including syabu, yaba and ecstasy, accounted for 73% of drug abuse cases.
He added that youths aged between 15 and 39 accounted for 84% of synthetic drug users, with peer influence remaining the biggest factor behind drug abuse.
“Our greatest concern is that synthetic drug use is becoming part of the culture and lifestyle of many youths. These drugs are easily accessible and produce a much faster intoxicating effect,” he said.
Owing to this trend, Ruslin said, AADK had been forced to review and improve its rehabilitation programmes, which previously focused on drugs such as heroin, morphine and cannabis.
Meanwhile, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman said 191,832 drug users and addicts were recorded in 2025, down from 192,857 in 2024.
In his speech on behalf of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, he noted that ATS remained the most commonly abused drugs in the country.
