KUALA LUMPUR: Even highly educated individuals, including PhD holders, are involved in drug abuse, says Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (pic).
The Deputy Home Minister said the drug menace was no longer limited to traditional substances such as cannabis, with synthetic drugs becoming increasingly accessible, including through online distribution.
“Although I do not have detailed data, we have found that even highly educated individuals, including those with PhD qualifications, are involved in drug-related activities,” he said he said when winding up committee stage debates on the Supply Bill 2027 at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 12).
Shamsul said the trend was worrying as those involved were increasingly from the younger age group, particularly those aged between 15 and 39 years old.
He said young people and students appeared to be among the key target groups for drug dealers, possibly as a way to secure a longer-term market.
“Today, we are no longer talking only about traditional drugs such as cannabis. We are also dealing with synthetic drugs, which are easily accessible, including through online distribution,” he said.
Shamsul said the Home Ministry, through the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and other enforcement agencies, has taken the issue seriously.
He added that efforts included enforcement action and reviewing approaches to tackle the problem.
On calls to amend the Poisons Act 1952, Shamsul clarified that the legislation fell under the Health Ministry's jurisdiction, not the Home Ministry.
“Any proposed amendments or matters raised concerning the Act are subject to the approval of the Health Ministry,” he said.
