Cabinet addresses ATS drug abuse among youth in Malaysia
She revealed that the government is working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to tackle online drug sales, which are increasingly targeting minors.
'The current trend shows primary school pupils are getting involved with ATS. Some access it through online platforms like WhatsApp,' Yeoh told Bernama after visiting the Kota Bharu Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN). She urged parents to monitor their children's smartphone use closely, stressing the need for supervision.
Yeoh emphasised the ministry's commitment to helping young drug users seek voluntary treatment at PUSPEN. Parents noticing behavioural changes in their children were advised to contact the centre immediately.
National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) data for 2024 revealed 117,000 individuals aged 15 to 39 were involved in drug abuse, with Kelantan recording the highest addiction rates. Yeoh shared insights from her discussions with PUSPEN clients, some as young as 17, who began using drugs in primary school.
'While the trend is alarming, PUSPEN's 79% rehabilitation success rate is encouraging. The real challenge is preventing relapses by keeping recovered individuals away from old networks,' she said. Yeoh also met parents, urging early intervention and openness to seeking help.
The ministry collaborates with AADK on awareness campaigns, including video screenings in cinemas like TGV. 'Young people must know they're not alone—support is available,' she added.
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KOTA BHARU: The growing issue of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) addiction among young Malaysians has reached the Cabinet level, according to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. She revealed that the government is working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to tackle online drug sales, which are increasingly targeting minors. 'The current trend shows primary school pupils are getting involved with ATS. Some access it through online platforms like WhatsApp,' Yeoh told Bernama after visiting the Kota Bharu Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN). She urged parents to monitor their children's smartphone use closely, stressing the need for supervision. Yeoh emphasised the ministry's commitment to helping young drug users seek voluntary treatment at PUSPEN. Parents noticing behavioural changes in their children were advised to contact the centre immediately. National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) data for 2024 revealed 117,000 individuals aged 15 to 39 were involved in drug abuse, with Kelantan recording the highest addiction rates. Yeoh shared insights from her discussions with PUSPEN clients, some as young as 17, who began using drugs in primary school. 'While the trend is alarming, PUSPEN's 79% rehabilitation success rate is encouraging. The real challenge is preventing relapses by keeping recovered individuals away from old networks,' she said. Yeoh also met parents, urging early intervention and openness to seeking help. The ministry collaborates with AADK on awareness campaigns, including video screenings in cinemas like TGV. 'Young people must know they're not alone—support is available,' she added.
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KOTA BARU: The issue of addiction to Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) is a subject of focus and discussion at the Cabinet level, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh says. She stated that the government is collaborating closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to curb the online sale of the drug. "The current trend shows that primary school pupils are starting to get involved with ATS. Some of them gain access to it through online sales, including via WhatsApp and other digital platforms. "I urge parents to monitor their children's smartphone use. We can't allow them to use handphones without supervision," she said after a working visit to the Kota Baru Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) here on Thursday (July 3). She said the ministry will continue to help young people involved in drug abuse to get voluntary treatment at Puspen, urging parents to immediately contact Puspen if they notice behavioural changes in their children. Hannah said that according to the 2024 National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) statistics, 117,000 individuals aged between 15 and 39 were found to be involved in drug and substance abuse, with Kelantan recording the highest rate of addiction. "I had the chance to speak with several clients here (Puspen Kota Baru). Most of them are still young, some as young as 17 and started using drugs when they were in primary school. "This trend is alarming, but I am impressed to hear first-hand that the treatment at Puspen has helped clients to recover and rebuild their lives," she said. Hannah, who also met with the clients' parents, urged the public to be more open in seeking early intervention before addiction becomes more severe. She noted that the drug rehabilitation success rate at Puspen has now reached 79%, but stressed that the real challenge is to ensure they do not return to the old networks associated with substance abuse. "It is crucial that they do not reconnect with their old circles. Even after using drugs for over 10 years, with awareness and support, full recovery is possible," she said, adding that young people who need help can voluntarily enter rehab centres. She said the ministry is also working closely with AADK to create awareness through various platforms, including video screenings at major cinemas such as TGV. "We want young people to know they don't have to go through this alone. Help is available, and support is there," she added. - Bernama
