Latest news with #NationalAnti-DrugsAgency
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
PM Anwar urges stronger border enforcement to stop drug smuggling
JITRA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stricter border enforcement to tackle drug smuggling, acknowledging the challenges posed by Malaysia's vast air, land, and sea borders. Speaking at the 2025 Anti-Drug Day Celebration at Dataran Darulaman, Anwar emphasized the need for improved efficiency among enforcement agencies to prevent security breaches. 'Even if they (the agencies) are efficient, it's not easy because the borders are vast... however, all enforcement agencies must improve their efficiency to prevent leakages in enforcement management, such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Narcotics Department and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS)... it is a huge responsibility to safeguard our people,' he said. Anwar assured that the government would provide necessary funding, facilities, and equipment to support these efforts. He also stressed the importance of a collaborative approach in addressing drug-related issues, urging agencies to work closely together for the nation's well-being. - Bernama
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No more denial: Home minister urges Kedah to act as state ranks among top four in Malaysia for drug abuse
JITRA, July 25 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the Kedah government to step up efforts to remove the state from the top four nationwide for drug addiction rates. He said that, based on addiction rates per 100,000 population, the most affected districts include Pendang (Kedah), Kuala Krai (Kelantan) and Bachok (Kelantan), while Terengganu recorded the highest rate among states, followed by Perlis, Kelantan and Kedah. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency. Every leader, at the level of government, mosques, community organisations, or schools, must play an active role in addressing this drug crisis,' he said at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman here today. Also present at the event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed that the drug problem is no longer a political issue but a shared responsibility, and tackling it effectively requires three key elements. 'First, we must abandon the denial syndrome and acknowledge the severity of the problem. Second, we must recognise that no single entity can solve it alone. Third, we must show the commitment to adapt and enhance existing approaches for a more integrated and holistic response,' he said. However, Saifuddin acknowledged that logistical challenges remain, particularly in securing maritime routes. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said, adding the Home Ministry has submitted a request to the Prime Minister for additional enforcement equipment. 'The government is also strengthening international cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint regional operations with ASEAN and the United Nations. This year alone, RM480 million has been allocated to AADK operations and the management of rehabilitation centres. We are now seeking an additional RM500 million to further reinforce these efforts,' he said Saifuddin also noted that from an enforcement standpoint, Malaysia already has strong legal instruments in place, such as the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, which were both amended last year to impose stiffer penalties on traffickers and syndicates. — Bernama
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Kedah urged to intensify drug abuse fight as rates remain high
JITRA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called on the Kedah government to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse, as the state remains among the top four nationwide for addiction rates. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman, he stressed the need for collective action. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry, and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. Saifuddin urged leaders at all levels, including government, religious institutions, and schools, to take an active role in addressing the crisis. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency,' he added. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor also present. Saifuddin outlined three key elements for tackling the issue: acknowledging the problem, recognising the need for collaboration, and adapting strategies for a more integrated response. He also highlighted logistical challenges, particularly in maritime enforcement. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said. The Home Ministry has requested additional enforcement equipment from the Prime Minister. International cooperation is also being strengthened through intelligence sharing and joint operations with ASEAN and the UN. This year, RM480 million has been allocated to AADK operations and rehabilitation centres, with an additional RM500 million sought to boost efforts. Malaysia's legal framework, including the amended Dangerous Drugs Act and Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, imposes stricter penalties on traffickers and syndicates. - Bernama
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Saifuddin Urges Kedah Govt To Step Up Fight Against Drug Abuse Crisis
JITRA, July 25 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the Kedah government to step up efforts to remove the state from the top four nationwide for drug addiction rates. He said that, based on addiction rates per 100,000 population, the most affected districts include Pendang (Kedah), Kuala Krai (Kelantan) and Bachok (Kelantan), while Terengganu recorded the highest rate among states, followed by Perlis, Kelantan and Kedah. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency. Every leader, at the level of government, mosques, community organisations, or schools, must play an active role in addressing this drug crisis,' he said at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman here today. Also present at the event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed that the drug problem is no longer a political issue but a shared responsibility, and tackling it effectively requires three key elements. 'First, we must abandon the denial syndrome and acknowledge the severity of the problem. Second, we must recognise that no single entity can solve it alone. Third, we must show the commitment to adapt and enhance existing approaches for a more integrated and holistic response,' he said. However, Saifuddin acknowledged that logistical challenges remain, particularly in securing maritime routes. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said, adding the Home Ministry has submitted a request to the Prime Minister for additional enforcement equipment.
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
Drug abuse among youths spark questions on social support
PUTRAJAYA: With data showing that over 75% of drug addicts in Malaysia are Malay youths, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the country's social support system in protecting this generation from an escalating addiction crisis. Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) indicates that Malay males aged between 15 and 39 make up 60 to 70% of the total number of addicts in the country. This reality has sparked concern, as this demographic should be a key asset to the country's development, and not fall victim to a destructive cycle of addiction that damages both individuals and family institutions. AADK Prevention Education principle assistant director Mahadzir Elias described the phenomenon as a systemic issue that must be addressed collectively, not merely through enforcement. "If our village is overrun with drugs, we can't just blame the are members of that village. If it's our own child who gets involved, we can't put the blame on the neighbours," he told Bernama. He added that communities must act as supportive ecosystems by playing an active role, including guiding and monitoring young people from an early age. "Without collective action, this group could become a social time bomb that destroys family institutions, undermines the strength of the nation, and jeopardises the country's future,' he said. Despite the alarming statistics, questions arise as to whether the drug crisis among youth stems partly from poor communication within families-many teenagers are believed to fall into addiction not merely due to external influences but because they lack safe spaces for expression, sharing, and early guidance. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar also said that in addition to life pressures and environmental factors, the failure to establish effective communication between parents and children is a major contributor to the problem. "Children are a trust. Do not let life's pressures or gaps in communication rob them of their future,' he said. Mohd Na'im emphasised the importance of safe spaces within families and communities to prevent youth from going astray. In rehabilitation efforts, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has adopted new approaches by engaging target groups via social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts, in line with a call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen dakwah and counselling in tackling drug addiction. On the ground, mosques such as Masjid Putra in Putrajaya serve as centres for spiritual rehabilitation and community support, offering modules in prayer, zikir, halaqah, and family involvement. "This is not only spiritual rehabilitation but also repairing family bonds damaged by drug abuse. Dakwah approaches for today's youth must keep pace with the times,' he said. The MyInsaniah programme has also been introduced to strengthen Islamic identity and leadership among those aged 13 to 23, serving as an early intervention to develop principled, competent and spiritually resilient youth. AADK employs a comprehensive approach in prevention and treatment, including public education, intervention for at-risk groups, and focused rehabilitation. Youth are involved as agents of change in communities, while rehabilitation emphasises spirituality, self-discipline, and social support to rebuild the lives of former addicts. "Zikir and the five daily prayers are compulsory, as all of this builds discipline and values, and is also a form of dakwah incorporated into rehabilitation,' said Mahadzir. Former addict Muhammad Amin (not his real name), 30, told Bernama that spiritual and community-based approaches helped save him after seven years of addiction to syabu, driven by emotional distress. "No matter how big the problem, don't choose drugs. They're not a solution. Drugs destroy everything. I've been through it, I know,' he said, adding that he has been clean for 16 months following voluntary treatment. The issue of drug addiction, especially among Malay youth, is not new. Various awareness campaigns, enforcement measures, and prevention efforts have been carried out by many parties for years, yet a definitive solution remains elusive. The question now is not who should be blamed, but how all stakeholders-religious institutions, educational bodies, families, and the media-can come together to act before more 'Muhammad Amins' emerge, as not all may find their way back. - Bernama
