Kelantan: Strategic and holistic cross-agency actions need to be mobilised immediately to address the drug abuse issue in Kelantan, which is currently at an alarming level. Kelantan chairman of Drug Prevention Association of Malaysia (Pemadam) Zamakhshari Muhamad stated that the responsibility should not rest on a single entity, but must involve all government agencies and the local community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kelantan now ranks third highest in drug abuse cases after Johor and Selangor. This indicates that the drug abuse situation in the state requires serious attention and comprehensive action. The state has come under the spotlight following the arrest of several individuals, including a female beauty product entrepreneur, linked to the seizure of meth pills worth RM6.16 million.

Zamakhshari highlighted that Kelantan also recorded the highest rate of drug abuse in Malaysia, at 1,130 cases per 100,000 population, based on previously reported data. He attributed Kelantan’s geographical location, which borders a neighbouring country, as a factor contributing to the entry of various drugs, complicating efforts to combat distribution and abuse.

Kelantan police continue to conduct special screening operations in all districts and border areas regularly. Discussions among related agencies are also being undertaken to formulate a more effective strategic action plan. On June 20, BERNAMA reported that the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) is facing increasingly complex challenges in efforts to combat drug abuse due to emerging new psychoactive substances and a rise in the use of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) among teenagers and youth.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah was reported saying that this challenge requires a more comprehensive and integrated approach that includes education, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and empowerment of local communities.