NST Online 17 Februari 2025 : Rising drug abuse rate fuelled by lack of youth activities

ALOR STAR: A lack of structured activities for youths is among the key factors contributing to the rising drug abuse rate over the past three years.

Kota Setar Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) chairman Dr Zaki Zamani Abd Rashid said in Kedah, the issue was compounded by the state's proximity to the Thai border, making it more vulnerable to the drug trade.

Zaki, who also chairs the State Drug Rehabilitation Committee under the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), warned that if left unchecked, the problem could have long-term consequences for society.

"Through our work, we have seen alarming figures from drug rehabilitation programmes for youths.

"In Kota Setar alone, more than 1,000 youths are undergoing rehabilitation under AADK after being arrested. Other districts may have even higher numbers," he told the 'New Straits Times'.

Zaki was responding to data presented by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail that showed drug abuse had surged over the past three years, with 192,857 cases reported last year.

Kelantan recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah.

Zaki said prevention and intervention must take priority over arrests, urging the government to invest more in youth development programmes to steer them away from drugs.

"It can be as simple as encouraging them to take up sports like football or any activity. However, this has been neglected in recent years. The government must allocate funds to promote healthy activities among youths.

"While the costs may be high and the benefits not immediately apparent, long-term investment will lead to a healthier society in four or five years."

He also called on all parties to avoid politicising drug-related issues, emphasising that tackling the problem required a collective effort.

"This is not a political issue. It is a shared responsibility — federal and state governments, community leaders and society must work together to raise awareness.

"If we want to solve this, it has to start at the community level. Arrests alone won't fix it. Reactive measures are insufficient — we need a proactive approach."

Zaki also highlighted the importance of treating drug abusers as patients rather than criminals to encourage voluntary rehabilitation.
"We want drug users to seek treatment. The goal is not to arrest them but to help them recover.
"But more importantly, we need robust prevention programmes to ensure people never get involved in drugs in the first place."

https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2025/02/1176134/rising-drug-abuse-rate-fuelled-lack-youth-activities