Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted that drug-related crimes significantly contribute to other criminal activities, acting as a gateway to more serious offenses.
According to the ministry’s data science team, over 28 types of crimes in Malaysia are linked to drug abuse, based on an analysis of more than 400,000 data entries. Individuals charged under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act are often involved in offenses like extortion and corruption, with drugs serving as a “highway” to other crimes.
“Think of Malaysia’s crime network as a system of highways, where the Dangerous Drugs Act is the central junction. Section 15(1) connects to 28 other crime types, and Section 12(2) links to 11,” Saifuddin explained during a high-tea event for the 2025 Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration in Putrajaya.
He stressed that combating drug abuse requires a collective effort involving all sectors of society to eliminate it. Saifuddin noted a significant decline in drug cases during the Movement Control Order (MCO), suggesting restricted movement helped curb drug activities.
However, first-quarter 2025 data remains concerning, with 108,000 recorded drug user cases, 60% of whom are new users. Synthetic drugs like ATS (amphetamines and methamphetamines) surged by 34.4%, and cannabis use rose by 60% last year, creating challenges for enforcement and prevention.
Saifuddin reported that 51,000 individuals are undergoing community rehabilitation under the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), with 5,443 others in government and private rehabilitation centers. “The recovery rate is encouraging, reaching 80% within two years,” he said.
He also called for amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 to empower rehabilitation officers to assess and place clients without waiting for medical reports, which can cause delays.
Saifuddin highlighted prison overcrowding, noting that Machang Prison holds 3,184 inmates, 85% of whom are convicted for drug offenses, while over 60% of Pengkalan Chepa Prison’s population is drug-related.
He emphasized that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility, involving government agencies, the private sector, communities, and external experts. “The days of the government having all the answers are gone. We need external expertise and ongoing collaboration,” he said.
Three days ago, Saifuddin reported a 10.5% reduction in drug abuse in East Coast states due to intervention efforts. On border security, he noted that 212 illegal bases were identified along the Kelantan border from Rantau Panjang to Jeli. Enhanced control measures since last December have led to an 85% drop in illegal entertainment activities across the border.
