The National Anti-Drugs Agency has reported a 7.9% decline in drug cases, with synthetic drugs such as Siabu dominating at 83.2% of all recorded cases.
putrajaya: Nationwide drug addiction and abuse cases declined by 7.9% from January to September this year compared to the same period last year.
National Anti-Drugs Agency director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said 156,316 cases were recorded up to September this year, while 169,691 cases were recorded in 2024.
They revealed that 83.2% or 76,467 individuals were linked to synthetic drugs, specifically siabu.
Most of the people involved were between 15 and 39 years of age.
Addiction to synthetic drugs also includes magic mushrooms, synthetic cannabis, yaba pills, ecstasy, and ketamine.
“These drugs are easier to obtain and produce faster effects than traditional drugs like heroin and cannabis,” he told reporters after a meet-and-greet session with the media.
Ruslin said the agency’s focus this year is on implementing amendments to the Drug Dependents (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.
The amendments are intended to differentiate the definitions of drug dependent and drug abuser.
They also extend the scope of treatment and rehabilitation to the dependents.
Rehabilitation authorities have now been empowered to issue certificates for voluntary drug treatment in AADK facilities.
“We want the public to know that those who are involved can voluntarily come forward for treatment,” he said.
Voluntary appearances remain low compared to those who appear through court orders, Ruslin said. – Bernama
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