Youths Account For 84 Pct Of Synthetic Drug Addicts In Malaysia

KEPALA BATAS, June 27 (Bernama) -- Youths aged between 15 and 39 account for 84 per cent of synthetic drug addicts in the country.

National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as syabu (methamphetamine), pil kuda (yaba) and ecstasy are among the most widely abused substances.

"This is an alarming figure because the majority of synthetic drug addicts are youths who should be key assets to nation-building. Approximately 73 per cent of all drug abuse cases involve synthetic drugs, while the remainder are traditional drugs such as heroin and cannabis.

"We observe that synthetic drugs are increasingly accepted as part of the lifestyle of some young people due to easy access and faster effects compared to traditional drugs," he told reporters after the opening of the 2026 National Anti-Drug Day here today.

The event, held at Dataran Sungai Muda, Kampung Titi Merdeka here, was officiated by Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. Also present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.

Ruslin said peer pressure, easy access to synthetic drugs, and the faster effects compared to traditional drugs are the main reasons for youth involvement, with abuse of these substances increasingly seen as a lifestyle among some groups.

He said personal and family problems, such as domestic conflicts and broken relationships, also contribute to youths turning to drugs to cope with pressure.

Meanwhile, he revealed that the East Coast states recorded among the highest rates of synthetic drug addiction in the country, particularly involving pil kuda consumption.

"This trend aligns with the surge in synthetic drug use, which now dominates most drug addiction cases in Malaysia. The East Coast states record among the highest rates, especially involving pil kuda, though numbers remain high in West Coast states as well.

"However, in the East Coast, pil kuda is far more dominant compared to heroin or cannabis," he added.

-- BERNAMA