Pahang: The drug abuse problem in Pahang is at a worrying level, with 9,452 users and addicts recorded as of June this year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this figure translates to a rate of 765 addicts for every 100,000 people in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution highlighted that the issue is not a minor one but poses a serious threat to the country’s social stability and economic growth. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the ‘Pahang Teguh Dadah Terkawal’ (PTDT) tour held in conjunction with the state-level Anti-Drugs Day commemoration. The event was graced and officiated by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at Dewan Balora Mastika.

Also present at the ceremony was Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. Saifuddin Nasution stated that 1,917 clients are currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at 47 private rehabilitation centres nationwide. He added that the most affected demographic is individuals aged between 15 and 35, particularly those working in the unskilled sector.

The situation not only undermines the economic potential of this group but also affects national productivity. Saifuddin Nasution expressed concern over the preference for synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and ketamine among addicts, noting that their spread is becoming increasingly widespread.