Latest news with #AADK
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
AADK to tackle rising drug threats in comprehensive approach
KOTA BHARU: The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) is currently facing an increasingly complex drug abuse landscape, marked by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and a significant rise in the abuse of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) among teenagers and youth. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this growing challenge demands a comprehensive and integrated strategy, covering aspects such as education, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and the empowerment of local communities. 'The latest statistics up to March 2025 show that a total of 108,409 drug or substance abusers and addicts were detected nationwide, which is a decrease of 10.5 per cent compared to 121,170 cases for the corresponding period in 2024. 'In Kelantan, the data shows a decrease of 5.4 per cent, which is 11,280 people compared to 11,928 drug and substance abusers and addicts for the same period the previous year,' he told a press conference after a programme with AADK and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), here, last night. Shamsul Anuar said the drug and substance abuse rate in Kelantan stood at 597 per 100,000 residents, down from 632 people for the corresponding period last year. According to him, the primary category of drug abuse in Kelantan remains ATS, accounting for 89.3 per cent or 10,071 individuals as of March 2025. The second highest category is Opiate, comprising 6.8 per cent of the total amount of drug and substance abuse in the state. Shamsul Anuar said this trend reflects the outcome of targeted and extensive preventive measures by AADK, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including efforts to seal off illegal smuggling routes, commonly known as 'rat holes', particularly along the country's border areas in Kelantan. 'This data indicates positive developments for the first quarter of this year. However, we must not become complacent as it is still too early to assume that the drug and substance abuse situation is fully under control,' he said. Shamsul Anuar stressed that the issue of drug abuse is no longer an ordinary threat but has escalated into an increasingly critical social and public health crisis. He said that in today's fast-evolving world, new challenges continue to surface, from easier access to illicit substances to the influence of social media, which is gradually reshaping public perceptions about the dangers of drug abuse. 'The youth, who should be the backbone of the country's development, are now increasingly exposed to and trapped in the destructive cycle of drug abuse,' he said. In this regard, he emphasised that enforcement and preventive measures would continue to be intensified to ensure that the issue is addressed comprehensively and effectively. Shamsul Anuar said that to realise this goal, strategic collaboration with all stakeholders, including the state government, educational institutions, community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially Pemadam, would continue to be enhanced. 'AADK is also committed to strengthening the role of Pemadam, recognising its great potential as a powerful community voice capable of mobilising grassroots efforts to reject the drug threat from the grassroots level jointly. 'I believe that the existing synergy between AADK and Pemadam can be further strengthened through various strategic initiatives. With fresher, community-driven approaches, these partnerships can complement drug prevention and rehabilitation programmes, especially in the community,' he said. He also emphasised that every step taken must be guided by reliable data, scientific methods, and strategic frameworks developed by AADK to ensure that all initiatives are not carried out on an ad hoc basis, but are well-structured and capable of delivering long-term, sustainable impact. Last June 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the problem of drug and vaping abuse among youth, especially Malay youth. He reportedly said the situation was worsening and required a comprehensive solution involving various approaches, including counselling and dakwah.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Rising complexity in drug threats demands comprehensive, integrated approach from AADK
KOTA BHARU: T he National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) is currently facing an increasingly complex drug abuse landscape, marked by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and a significant rise in the abuse of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) among teenagers and youth. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this growing challenge demands a comprehensive and integrated strategy, covering aspects such as education, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and the empowerment of local communities. 'The latest statistics up to March 2025 show that a total of 108,409 drug or substance abusers and addicts were detected nationwide, which is a decrease of 10.5 per cent compared to 121,170 cases for the corresponding period in 2024. 'In Kelantan, the data shows a decrease of 5.4 per cent, which is 11,280 people compared to 11,928 drug and substance abusers and addicts for the same period the previous year,' he told a press conference after a programme with AADK and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), here, last night. Shamsul Anuar said the drug and substance abuse rate in Kelantan stood at 597 per 100,000 residents, down from 632 people for the corresponding period last year. According to him, the primary category of drug abuse in Kelantan remains ATS, accounting for 89.3 per cent or 10,071 individuals as of March 2025. The second highest category is Opiate, comprising 6.8 per cent of the total amount of drug and substance abuse in the state. Shamsul Anuar said this trend reflects the outcome of targeted and extensive preventive measures by AADK, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including efforts to seal off illegal smuggling routes, commonly known as 'rat holes', particularly along the country's border areas in Kelantan. 'This data indicates positive developments for the first quarter of this year. However, we must not become complacent as it is still too early to assume that the drug and substance abuse situation is fully under control,' he said. Shamsul Anuar stressed that the issue of drug abuse is no longer an ordinary threat but has escalated into an increasingly critical social and public health crisis. He said that in today's fast-evolving world, new challenges continue to surface, from easier access to illicit substances to the influence of social media, which is gradually reshaping public perceptions about the dangers of drug abuse. 'The youth, who should be the backbone of the country's development, are now increasingly exposed to and trapped in the destructive cycle of drug abuse,' he said. In this regard, he emphasised that enforcement and preventive measures would continue to be intensified to ensure that the issue is addressed comprehensively and effectively. Shamsul Anuar said that to realise this goal, strategic collaboration with all stakeholders, including the state government, educational institutions, community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially Pemadam, would continue to be enhanced. 'AADK is also committed to strengthening the role of Pemadam, recognising its great potential as a powerful community voice capable of mobilising grassroots efforts to reject the drug threat from the grassroots level jointly. 'I believe that the existing synergy between AADK and Pemadam can be further strengthened through various strategic initiatives. With fresher, community-driven approaches, these partnerships can complement drug prevention and rehabilitation programmes, especially in the community,' he said. He also emphasised that every step taken must be guided by reliable data, scientific methods, and strategic frameworks developed by AADK to ensure that all initiatives are not carried out on an ad hoc basis, but are well-structured and capable of delivering long-term, sustainable impact. Last June 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the problem of drug and vaping abuse among youth, especially Malay youth. He reportedly said the situation was worsening and required a comprehensive solution involving various approaches, including counselling and dakwah.
Barnama
15 hours ago
- Health
- Barnama
Rising Complexity In Drug Threats Demands Comprehensive, Integrated Approach From AADK
KOTA BHARU, June 20 (Bernama) -- The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) is currently facing an increasingly complex drug abuse landscape, marked by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and a significant rise in the abuse of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) among teenagers and youth. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this growing challenge demands a comprehensive and integrated strategy, covering aspects such as education, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and the empowerment of local communities. "The latest statistics up to March 2025 show that a total of 108,409 drug or substance abusers and addicts were detected nationwide, which is a decrease of 10.5 per cent compared to 121,170 cases for the corresponding period in 2024. "In Kelantan, the data shows a decrease of 5.4 per cent, which is 11,280 people compared to 11,928 drug and substance abusers and addicts for the same period the previous year," he told a press conference after a programme with AADK and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), here, last night. Shamsul Anuar said the drug and substance abuse rate in Kelantan stood at 597 per 100,000 residents, down from 632 people for the corresponding period last year. According to him, the primary category of drug abuse in Kelantan remains ATS, accounting for 89.3 per cent or 10,071 individuals as of March 2025. The second highest category is Opiate, comprising 6.8 per cent of the total amount of drug and substance abuse in the state. Shamsul Anuar said this trend reflects the outcome of targeted and extensive preventive measures by AADK, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including efforts to seal off illegal smuggling routes, commonly known as 'rat holes', particularly along the country's border areas in Kelantan. "This data indicates positive developments for the first quarter of this year. However, we must not become complacent as it is still too early to assume that the drug and substance abuse situation is fully under control," he said. Shamsul Anuar stressed that the issue of drug abuse is no longer an ordinary threat but has escalated into an increasingly critical social and public health crisis.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Cops arrest three more Jelebu rehab escapees; two still at large
SEREMBAN, June 19 — Police have arrested three of the six trainees who escaped from the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) in Jelebu two days ago. Jelebu police chief Supt Azizan Said said the three men, two aged 36 and one aged 42, were apprehended along Jalan Kongkoi at around noon today. 'So far, four of the escapees have been caught. We are still tracking down the remaining two, identified as V. Manimaran, 38, whose last known address is in Taman Seri Bernam, Selangor, and K. Mohanarajh, 25, from Taman Bertuah, Perak,' he said in a statement today. Yesterday, another 35-year-old escapee was arrested within 24 hours of the incident near the Rotan Titi Cane factory in Kongkoi, about five kilometres from the centre. Police received a report about the escape at around 1am and immediately launched an operation with the assistance of sniffer dogs and personnel from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Jelebu. The case is being investigated under Sections 223 and 224 of the Penal Code. — Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Drug abuse down in Kelantan, but youth still most at risk
KOTA BHARU: Drug abuse in Kelantan fell by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of this year, but youth remain the most vulnerable group, continuing to account for the highest number of cases involving illegal substances. Kelantan National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director Supindi Usop said 66 percent of all cases involved individuals aged between 15 and 39, making up the largest group in the state's statistics. He said this trend is worrying as it involves the younger generation, who should be the nation's future asset. Supindi said Kelantan recorded 11,280 drug abuse cases as of March, compared to 11,928 cases in the same period last year, placing the state fourth highest in Malaysia. 'A total of 5,787 individuals are undergoing rehabilitation at three centres across the state, with 97 percent of them involved in the abuse of methamphetamine pills (pil kuda),' he told Bernama at the Kelantan-level 2025 National Anti-Drug Day event today. Even more concerning, 114 teenagers under the age of 18 were found to be involved in drug abuse, with 94 currently undergoing voluntary treatment at the Pengkalan Chepa Rehabilitation Centre and 20 at the centre in Bachok, Supindi revealed. 'We've observed that more parents are becoming aware and are proactively sending their children for voluntary treatment. This is a positive step towards breaking the cycle of early addiction,' he said. On the factors contributing to the decline, Supindi explained that one key reason was the closure of illegal entry points along the Malaysia-Thailand border since last December, which has helped curb the inflow of drugs. Meanwhile, Kelantan Youth, Sports, NGOs and Community Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad, who also heads the state chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), said that despite the drop in numbers, the overall figures remain high and concerning. 'Prevention, enforcement and awareness education must be intensified. We cannot afford to be complacent just because the statistics show a decline,' he emphasised. He added that Pemadam will organise a six-month strategic workshop starting at the end of this month in Pasir Mas, in collaboration with various enforcement agencies and local communities.
