Kuala lumpur: The government has announced six major focuses as part of a new thrust to combat drug abuse by 2026, following alarming data showing a significant increase in drug seizures and the evolving complexity of syndicate threats, stated Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Combating Drug Abuse (JKDM), outlined the six focuses, which include a study and reformulation of the National Drug Policy, a national anti-drug communication campaign, strengthening community prevention, stigma-free treatment, the use of digital technology, and the empowerment of anti-drug personnel.
"The strategic approach is essential to ensure the effective implementation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Directive No. 1 of 2024, related to the National Drug Policy coordination machinery across federal, state, and district levels," he remarked in a statement. He emphasized that combating drug abuse now requires more dynamic, responsive, and data-driven actions due to the increasing complexity of threats, impacting security, public health, and social costs.
The 2025 data revealed that drug and poison seizures amounted to RM3.19 billion, a significant rise from RM388.07 million in 2024, involving 89 tonnes of drugs and 132 tonnes of poisons, with methamphetamine as the most seized substance at over 51,000 tonnes. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that this trend signifies Malaysia's continued battle with aggressive cross-border syndicates.
The 2025 Drug and Substance Abuse report recorded 191,832 individuals involved, equating to a prevalence rate of 560 per 100,000 population, with Selangor having the highest number at 25,475 people. Of these cases, 53.2 percent were detected through enforcement, while 40 percent involved treatment and rehabilitation clients in the community.
"This trend proves that the drug issue is not only related to crime but also a public health and social well-being issue," Ahmad Zahid said, noting that the government has amended the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 to focus on treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.
The six focuses for 2026 include revising the National Drug Policy to address current and future threats, implementing an integrated Anti-Drug Communication Plan, and strengthening community-based prevention through initiatives like the Drug-Free Aspiration Village Programme and the Anti-Drug Squad. There is also an emphasis on voluntary treatment and recovery, expanding skills training, and using digital technology and AI through systems like e-SMART and MySupport.
Efforts also involve upgrading the National Anti-Drug Agency Training Centre (AADK) to the AADK Academy, aiming to create a center of training excellence. Ahmad Zahid stressed that success against drugs requires integrated actions from the entire government and community involvement. Ministries and stakeholders must address social prevention, education, health, welfare, youth development, housing, and employment opportunities.
He concluded that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, translating into concrete, measurable, and continuous actions, is necessary to ensure that efforts to combat drug abuse are holistic and humane. The government remains committed to addressing the challenging drug issue through evidence-based strategic actions to strengthen the nation's security, well-being, and future.