New strategy needed to fight drug abuse in Malaysia says Ahmad Zahid
He emphasised the urgent need for a revised approach due to the alarming rise in synthetic drug use and social media-driven distribution.
'The government has invested over RM50 billion in prevention, enforcement, and treatment, yet drug abuse continues to escalate,' he said.
'We must acknowledge this failure and unite to minimise drug abuse as much as possible,' he added during his speech at the 46th general assembly of the Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam).
Ahmad Zahid highlighted a National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) report revealing that 68 percent of drug abusers are young adults aged 19 to 39, including professionals.
'This trend threatens national productivity and the future workforce critical for economic growth,' he warned.
He urged enforcement agencies and Pemadam to adopt interactive communication methods rather than traditional awareness campaigns.
'Instead of just lecturing, we must listen and empathise with the youth,' he said.
'Digital engagement is key—old methods like brochures and talks are no longer sufficient,' he stressed.
The Deputy PM proposed establishing digital communication teams in every state to enhance outreach efforts.
He also recommended developing an integrated information portal and a smart application for better accessibility.
Strengthening partnerships with influencers and online communities was another key suggestion to amplify anti-drug messaging. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
PEMADAM calls for nationwide ban on vape and e-cigarettes in Malaysia
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) has called for a nationwide ban on the import, production, and sale of vape and e-cigarettes. PEMADAM also seeks new laws to prohibit all vaping devices, regardless of nicotine content. The proposal was among seven motions approved at PEMADAM's 46th national assembly. Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar, PEMADAM National Women's Wing chairman, led the push for stricter regulations. She urged ministries and agencies to collaborate with the Health Ministry for enforcement. Other motions include raising the legal age for tobacco purchases to 21. Stricter penalties for selling to minors were also proposed. Public education on vaping dangers will be intensified in schools and communities. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed a review of a total vape ban is underway. Scientific evidence, legal concerns, and economic impacts will shape the decision. Six states have already halted new vape sales licences. PEMADAM warned of rising vaping rates among teens and young adults. Sweet flavours and social media ads make vaping appealing to youth. Nicotine in vape products leads to addiction and health risks, PEMADAM stated. The association linked vaping to potential drug abuse. PEMADAM proposed stronger enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products Act 2024. A special task force involving health and police authorities was also suggested. Joint operations would target illegal vape smuggling and distribution. - Bernama
The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
PEMADAM calls for nationwide ban on vape and e-cigarettes
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) has called for a nationwide ban on the import, production, and sale of vape and e-cigarettes. PEMADAM also seeks new laws to prohibit all vaping devices, regardless of nicotine content. The proposal was among seven motions approved at PEMADAM's 46th national assembly. Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar, PEMADAM National Women's Wing chairman, led the push for stricter regulations. She urged ministries and agencies to collaborate with the Health Ministry for enforcement. Other motions include raising the legal age for tobacco purchases to 21. Stricter penalties for selling to minors were also proposed. Public education on vaping dangers will be intensified in schools and communities. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed a review of a total vape ban is underway. Scientific evidence, legal concerns, and economic impacts will shape the decision. Six states have already halted new vape sales licences. PEMADAM warned of rising vaping rates among teens and young adults. Sweet flavours and social media ads make vaping appealing to youth. Nicotine in vape products leads to addiction and health risks, PEMADAM stated. The association linked vaping to potential drug abuse. PEMADAM proposed stronger enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products Act 2024. A special task force involving health and police authorities was also suggested. Joint operations would target illegal vape smuggling and distribution. - Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Zahid: Drug rehab modules to include TVET
SEPANG: The Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen) must revamp their education modules to include Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Puspen needed to break away from conventional modules and equip clients with valuable skills to ease their reintegration into society. "As the chairman of the National TVET Council, I would like to suggest that we transform all the educational modules at every Puspen into TVET to provide our clients with high-growth and high-value training," he said in his speech during an official visit to Puspen Dengkil. "Previously, the Prisons Department also had the same modules — plantation, sewing — but that is conventional. "Times have changed, which is why we need to change to TVET. "I will help the National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) and Puspen," he said, adding that he would find the allocations to implement such modules. TVET is also a route to break the cycle of poverty among addicts, he said. Zahid said he would engage with SME Corp to help Puspen clients who wished to venture into entrepreneurship. "Don't give Puspen the connotation that it's a punishment or treatment centre. It's actually a house of hope," he told Puspen clients. Zahid also voiced his support for psychospiritual rehabilitation and urged spiritual leaders from different religions to be involved in Puspen's rehabilitation programmes. Also present was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, as the ministry facilitated the opening of a gym at Puspen Dengkil. Zahid urged private companies or gym owners who wished to replace their equipment to consider donating it to the government. "We will refurbish it and improve it according to the specifications," he said. He also called on society to be kinder to former addicts, saying this was crucial to breaking the cycle of addiction and drug use. "We need to conduct engagements with family members so that we can come up with a module that will open their hearts to accept them. "Communities must break the wall of stigma. "Neighbours or neighbourhood chairpersons, the village head, or members of suraus and mosques play a part in accepting our former clients, not hating them. "Insya-Allah they will be better people," Zahid said. As at July 2025, 57,266 clients had been admitted to Puspen centres nationwide, said Nada director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh. Of this total, 51,442 were undergoing community-based rehabilitation, while 5,825 were under institutional rehabilitation.
