689 Drug Abusers Voluntarily Seek Treatment Under AADK Programme

GEORGE TOWN, June 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 689 people have voluntarily sought drug treatment and rehabilitation under the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) programme as of May 31, reflecting rising awareness of government rehabilitation services.

AADK enforcement and security division director Mahadzir Elias said the approach allows drug abusers to seek treatment without legal action and helps reduce stigma.

“The total includes individuals treated and rehabilitated at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN),” he said at a press conference after the Penang AADK operation last night.

Since the amendment to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 took effect on Aug 22, 2025, AADK has allowed wider access for drug users to seek voluntary treatment lasting between three months and two years, depending on severity.

Mahadzir said AADK has detained 14,518 addicts nationwide as of May 31, or 30.43 per cent of its 47,000 targets for the year.

He said drug abuse is no longer confined to specific locations but is now taking place at home, in workplaces and other perceived safe areas, acknowledging that the agency is facing challenges in dealing with new types of drugs, including substances used in vape devices.

“However, most of these substances can still be detected through screening tests conducted by the agency,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahadzir said a husband and wife who tested positive for morphine and methamphetamine while with their two young children were among 164 people detained in a three-day AADK operation in Penang that ended yesterday.

“Of the 164 detainees, 149 tested positive for drugs and nine breached Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation programme (RPDK) conditions. Men accounted for 155 arrests, or 94.5 per cent, compared with nine women, aged 19 to 65,” he said.

“Methamphetamine was the most commonly abused drug with 100 cases, or 61 per cent of arrests, followed by opiates (35) and cannabis (18),” he said.

He said drones with thermal imaging technology were used to monitor drug hotspots in plantations, forests and villages, including at night.

-- BERNAMA