Putrajaya: The Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (PEMADAM) announced its commitment to addressing the increasing challenge of synthetic drug use among educated young individuals. National Chairman and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah emphasized the importance of this initiative, particularly targeting youths aged 15 to 30, including those pursuing higher education.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this new focus will be a central theme at the 46th PEMADAM Biennial National Assembly, scheduled from August 9 to 11 at the Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex. The event aims to enhance drug prevention strategies and involve more young leaders and academics in PEMADAM’s leadership roles.

Dr Shamsul Anuar highlighted the need for PEMADAM to adapt to evolving challenges, noting that synthetic drugs are affordable, easily accessible, and gaining popularity among the youth. He shared insights from field visits conducted in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to states like Kelantan, Penang, and Sabah. These visits revealed a disturbing trend where even highly educated individuals, including PhD holders, are becoming drug users, particularly in the East Coast region.

“This shift indicates that traffickers are now targeting groups with the potential to be highly productive and contribute significantly to national development,” Dr Shamsul Anuar explained.

The upcoming assembly will be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and will feature exhibitions from the AADK, the Prison Department, and the Serenti Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN). Special sessions are planned to discuss the latest synthetic drug trends and the newest tactics employed by traffickers.