Treat youth drug users as patients, not criminals, government urged

SHAH ALAM – The government is being urged to adopt a new approach in addressing drug addiction, especially among youth, by treating them as patients rather than criminals.

This includes tackling the social stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help.

Malaysian Anti-Drugs Abuse Council (MASAC) Secretary-General Raja Azizan Suhaimi said youth are the most crucial demographic, representing the nation’s future.

However, many are drawn into recreational drug use due to peer pressure.

He described that most young users are not hardcore addicts but occasional users.

Despite this, they risk being blacklisted and losing future opportunities if caught.

“Most of them aren’t addicts in the true sense. They use drugs occasionally, often influenced by friends or when they have some money.

“They're still young and have a bright future. But a single mistake could leave them with a record that affects their chances of getting into university or landing a job,” he told Sinar on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently said the drug abuse problem has reached an alarming level and poses a major threat to public safety, the economy and the country’s social fabric.

He cited the latest figures showing there are 192,857 drug users and addicts in Malaysia, with 61 per cent aged between 15 and 39 in 2024.

Raja Azizan said the situation is further complicated by the increasing use of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are not listed under controlled substances and cannot be detected through standard urine tests.

He said drug addiction is a chronic condition prone to relapse and should be under the responsibility of the Health Ministry, rather than being handled solely through enforcement.

He also stated that the fear of arrest prevents many users from seeking help.

“They are patients, not criminals. Yes, drug use is an offence, but it shouldn’t always mean prison.

“There’s a difference between those who use drugs occasionally and hardcore addicts.

“If someone is truly addicted, they should be referred to a Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen). But if they are just casual users, counselling and community-based rehabilitation may be enough,” he said.

Meanwhile, Safe Community Alliance chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called for the immediate formation of a special committee led by the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) to consider new laws or amendments to tighten enforcement.

He said the involvement of youth in drug abuse is increasingly serious and needs urgent attention.

“This is a reality we cannot ignore. Harsher laws are needed, including a ban on the sale of vapes, especially those containing illegal substances,” he said.

He also raised concerns about drug syndicates possibly operating from within prisons.

“Enforcement must be strengthened so that those involved in drug distribution and production can’t continue these activities with ease.

“While the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) plays an important role in rehabilitation and awareness, that alone isn’t enough.

“Parents and families also have a crucial role in educating youth to stay away from drugs,” he said.

He added that more support is needed for community organisations and prevention programmes to raise awareness on a wider scale.

“Prevention is becoming more important than ever. We need more active organisations and initiatives to address this issue,” he added.