Malaysia Drug Abuse: 130,307 Individuals Recorded

Malaysia recorded 130,307 individuals with drug addiction as of June 2026, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis reported rates exceeding the national figure of 381 cases per 100,000 residents. Individuals aged 15 to 39 formed the largest affected age group, while synthetic stimulants accounted for 84% of reported drug use.

Which Malaysian States Have The Highest Drug Addiction Rates?

When people discuss Malaysia’s drug problem, the conversation often focuses on arrests, raids or individual cases. However, the latest figures suggest the issue deserves a much broader conversation, especially when certain states are recording rates far above the national level. According to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysia had recorded 130,307 individuals with drug addiction as of June 2026. Speaking during the handover ceremony for the upgraded Karak Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) in Bentong, Pahang, on 5 October, he identified Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis as four states with particularly concerning figures. Terengganu recorded the highest rate among those highlighted, at 735 individuals per 100,000 residents, followed by Kelantan with 694, Kedah with 669 and Perlis with 646. All four exceeded the national rate of 381 per 100,000 residents. To put that into perspective, Terengganu’s recorded rate was nearly twice the national figure. However, these are population-adjusted rates, not the total number of affected individuals in each state, meaning the figures should not be mistaken for a ranking based on absolute case numbers.

Why Are Malaysians Aged 15 To 39 The Most Affected?

Beyond the geographical differences, the demographic breakdown raises another important concern. Saifuddin revealed that individuals aged between 15 and 39 represented the largest segment of those recorded with drug addiction, placing much of the problem within Malaysia’s younger and working-age population. In terms of education, most affected individuals had qualifications at Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level or below. Employment figures also showed that unemployed individuals formed the largest group, followed by those who were self-employed and those working in the private sector. These findings highlight the importance of looking beyond drug consumption alone and understanding the wider circumstances surrounding addiction, including access to treatment, economic vulnerability and opportunities for recovery. Another major finding involved the substances being used. According to the minister, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), a category of synthetic drugs, accounted for approximately 84% of drug use among the recorded population. The figure suggests that synthetic stimulants are central to Malaysia’s current drug-related challenges, making targeted prevention and treatment programmes especially important.

What Is Malaysia Doing To Address The Growing Drug Problem?

With more than 130,000 individuals recorded nationwide, the government is emphasising the need for policies that respond to actual patterns rather than relying on general awareness campaigns alone. Saifuddin said the figures should guide how the National Anti-Drug Agency designs its programmes, stressing the importance of using reliable data to identify affected groups and determine where intervention is most urgently needed. The Home Ministry is also open to expanding campaigns and strengthening cooperation with state governments, particularly as the issue extends beyond the responsibilities of a single agency. The announcement was made during a ceremony involving the upgraded Karak PUSPEN facility, reflecting the continued role of rehabilitation services in the country’s response. However, the broader challenge is not simply identifying how many people are affected. It also involves ensuring that individuals can access appropriate treatment, receive support during recovery and reduce their risk of returning to drug use. With the highest recorded rates concentrated in several states and the largest affected age group comprising younger Malaysians, the latest figures underline why drug addiction must be addressed as a national public health and social issue rather than viewed solely through the lens of criminal enforcement.

Key Facts

What happened: Thousands of spectators faced severe congestion and long waits for shuttle buses after Friday’s F1 sessions.

Where: Sepang International Circuit, Selangor.

When: 2 October 2026.

Estimated crowd: Around 100,000 spectators on the opening day, according to The Rakyat Post.

Reported planning benchmark: Bahrain International Circuit typically handles a single-day peak of around 37,000 spectators.

Shuttle fleet: 95 buses.

How long did some fans wait? Up to four hours.

What happened next: Some spectators walked between 4.8km and 8km towards external transport points, while authorities introduced additional traffic and transport measures for Saturday.

.

HotNews : Cristiano Ronaldo & Georgina Rodriguez Are Finally Married After Nearly 10 Years Together

_________________________________________________________________________

SOURCES

Bernama | 5 October 2026

130,307 Drug Addicts As Of June – Saifuddin Nasution

⁠Read the original Bernama report

China Press | 5 October 2026

登、丹、吉、玻吸毒人数最多

⁠Read the China Press report

Editorial note: The Bernama report was directly verified. The China Press article could not be accessed for independent cross-checking. All numerical figures and attributed statements in this article are based on Bernama’s reporting.

DISCLAIMER: NasiLemakDaily is not responsible for any comments written by readers. Please think carefully before posting. We are also unable to monitor every comment posted. All comments are your own responsibility.

Watch Video :

By – Tarziman — 04:49PM
An independent writer who enjoys finding interesting angles in everyday stories. He believes even the simplest moments can be worth sharing when they’re told in a clear, relaxed and easy-to-understand way.