PUTRAJAYA: The number of drug addicts nationwide has increased by 31.6 percent to 169,691 individuals in the first nine months of this year, compared to 128,911 for the same period last year. National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh highlighted that the latest figures show a significant rise in drug addiction cases across the country, with 162,360 of the addicts being men and 7,331 women.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, synthetic drugs remain the largest contributor to these numbers, affecting 119,410 individuals. These drugs, categorized under Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), are made from chemical substances such as Syabu, Ice, and Batu in crystal form, as well as tablet forms like Pil Kuda, Ecstasy, and Yaba. The second-highest usage was recorded for opiate-type drugs with 38,854 users, followed by Cannabis with 6,750 users, and Psychotropic Pills with 2,114 cases.

Speaking at a media chat programme, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh pointed out that the youth demographic, aged 19 to 39,
recorded the highest number of drug abuse cases with 98,977 instances. This is followed by adults aged 40 and above with 69,937 cases, and teenagers aged 13 to 18 with 776 cases. Alarmingly, there was also a single case reported involving a child under 12 years old as of September this year.

He further explained that the implementation of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Act 2024 aims to expand access to treatment and rehabilitation. This legislative amendment is designed to encourage more addicts to voluntarily seek help and marks a shift from punitive measures to treatment and rehabilitation programmes.