130,307 Drug Addicts Recorded As Of June — Saifuddin Nasution

BENTONG, Oct 5 – A total of 130,307 drug addicts were recorded nationwide as of June 2026, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed.

Speaking during a press conference held in conjunction with the project handover for the upgraded Karak Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) on Monday, October 5, 2026, Saifuddin highlighted that several East Coast and Northern states are experiencing alarming drug abuse trends that surpass the national baseline.

“Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis recorded worrying trends in drug use and abuse, exceeding the national ratio of 381 cases per 100,000 population,” Saifuddin stated.

State Breakdown and Demographic Profile

Statistical data provided by the Home Ministry outlined specific state-level prevalence rates alongside demographic indicators:

• State Ratios (per 100,000 population): Terengganu recorded the highest rate at 735 individuals, followed by Kelantan (694), Kedah (669), and Perlis (646)—all exceeding the national average of 381.
• Age & Education: Youth and young adults aged 15 to 39 represent the largest segment of recorded addicts, with a majority holding a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification or lower.
• Employment Status: Unemployed individuals accounted for the largest proportion, followed by self-employed individuals and private sector employees.
• Substance Preference: Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and synthetic drugs remain the primary choice among substance abusers, accounting for 84 per cent of total drug use.

Data-Driven Interventions and Political Will

Saifuddin directed the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to design intervention programs and formulate public policies using data-driven frameworks.

He added that the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is ready to expand campaigns and joint initiatives with state governments, emphasizing that tackling substance abuse requires united action across political spectrums.

“In terms of politics, there must be strong political will to overcome or combat this scourge. Secondly, we must first agree that the drug problem is no longer just an individual issue; it has become a national problem,” Saifuddin said.

The event was also attended by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Bentong Member of Parliament Young Syefura Othman, and AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.

–NMT