Latest news with #Pemadam
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Pemadam proposes complete vape ban to break chain of synthetic drugs
Data from the Home Ministry's Science Data Centre clearly shows that crimes occurring in this country stem from drugs, including theft, murder and rape. 11 Aug 2025 03:07pm For illustration purposes only. - BERNAMA FILE PIX PUTRAJAYA - The Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) will submit a proposal to the government to completely ban the use of electronic cigarettes or vape, including online sales, to break the chain of synthetic drug transmission in the country. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, who is also National Pemadam chairman, said this drastic measure is justified because vaping has now become a medium for the distribution of prohibited substances, including synthetic drugs, that are easily obtained through online orders. "Data from the Home Ministry's Science Data Centre clearly shows that crimes occurring in this country stem from drugs, including theft, murder and rape. One of the chains (of drugs) is vaping. Therefore, we need to break this chain. "What is more worrying for the public, especially the younger generation, is seeing synthetic drugs added to vapes as something harmless and easily obtainable," he told Bernama when met at the 46th Pemadam Biennial National Assembly, which was attended by over 1,000 members from across the country, here today. Shamsul Anuar said it was even more saddening when combined data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Health Ministry (MOH) and other agencies revealed that the age group of 15 to 39 years old is now the main target group of drug syndicates. "What's concerning is that their backgrounds show a similar pattern in most states, namely that those with at least a secondary education, and some even holding diplomas, master's degrees and doctorates (PhDs). "This group is a productive asset of the country that should drive the country's progress to a better level," he said. Shamsul Anuar said Pemadam believes that a comprehensive ban on vaping will help the government's efforts to combat drug use among the public, especially young people. In addition, Shamsul Anuar said Pemadam will take a new approach in enhancing communication with the public about the dangers of drugs through digital means and based on accurate data so that every programme implemented is more targeted and achieves its goals, for example, states with high addiction rates require different strategies. "We can no longer rely on old methods like public ceramah because the target audience doesn't attend to listen. On the contrary, we will use social media, digital platforms, and technology by engaging influencers so that the information truly reaches and resonates with the public (especially young people)," he said. He said Pemadam, which has been operating for five decades, needs to rebrand and restrategise to be a drug prevention body that can be trusted by the community, in line with the changing times, so that its role is better known and seen as important in making the drug agenda the country's No 1 enemy. He also said Pemadam needs to belong to all segments of society and to drive the drug prevention agenda as a united national struggle, in addition to being a strategic partner to relevant agencies such as the PDRM, AADK and MOH. He added that among his steps were constitutional amendments, including adding a second vice-president (position) to bring in young professionals capable of helping. Additionally, other steps include rebranding Pemadam's official name to the National Pemadam Association, State Pemadam Association, and District Pemadam Association to make it more relevant to the local situation. - BERNAMA
The Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
New strategy needed to fight drug abuse in Malaysia says Ahmad Zahid
PUTRAJAYA: A new and unconventional strategy is essential to address the growing drug abuse crisis in Malaysia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 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
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Zahid: We've failed in war against drugs despite spending RM50bil
KUALA LUMPUR: After spending RM50 billion on drug prevention, enforcement and treatment, Malaysia must admit that it has failed to curb the problem. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the number of drug cases was consistently on the rise, including among educated Malaysians. He said the use of synthetic drugs was now rampant and online sales of narcotics were also on the rise. "The government has spent over RM50 billion to conduct prevention, enforcmenet and treatment for drugs but cases are still on a rise. "We have to admit this failure. And find a way to move forward," he said in his keynote speech at Malaysian Drug Prevention Association's (Pemadam) biennial general meeting. However, he did not provide details on the RM50 billion spent. He said he will review the programmes under Pemadam before approving any allocations. "I want to look at the programmes first before providing financial assistance," said Zahid, who is the chairman of the special cabinet committee on the eradication of drug abuse. He said Pemadam needed to listen to the younger generation and connect with them differently. "We can't use conventional methods. Addicts don't want a lecture, as how thieves also do not want to hear lectures from the police's Criminal Investigation Department," he said. Moving forward, Zahid said that Pemadam should form strategic partnerships with influencers towards a new strategy to understand and empathetically approach drug users. He also urged the organisation to establish a digital communications unit in every state, improve its training modules for volunteers, form an integrated information portal and a mobile phone application. Zahid said he wanted Pemadam to remain relevant after 50 years of anti-drug advocacy.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia
KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to introduce strict laws prohibiting vape products laced with illegal substances like synthetic drugs. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the growing misuse of vape, particularly among young people, as a serious public health issue. 'Vape was initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, but it has now been exploited for drug abuse and addiction,' he said. Abdul Karim, who also leads the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), stressed the need for urgent legal action following a State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting. He suggested that authorities consider either a complete ban on vape or restrict it to nicotine-based products, similar to regulated tobacco items. 'A blanket ban may not be practical since some users consume vape responsibly. However, if it involves illegal substances like 'magic mushrooms' or synthetic drugs, strict laws must be enforced,' he added. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that Sarawak has the highest vape usage rate among Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17, with 20.3% prevalence, affecting an estimated 39,608 individuals. - Bernama
The Sun
08-07-2025
- The Sun
Cross-agency action needed to tackle Kelantan drug crisis
KOTA BHARU: Strategic and coordinated efforts across multiple agencies are urgently needed to address Kelantan's worsening drug abuse crisis, according to the Drug Prevention Association of Malaysia (Pemadam). Zamakhshari Muhamad, Kelantan Pemadam chairman, stressed that tackling the issue cannot rely on a single entity but must involve government bodies and local communities. Kelantan currently ranks third in drug abuse cases nationwide, trailing only Johor and Selangor. Zamakhshari highlighted that the state's drug abuse rate stands at 1,130 cases per 100,000 people, the highest in Malaysia. The recent arrest of a beauty entrepreneur linked to a RM6.16 million methamphetamine seizure further underscores the severity of the problem. The state's border location facilitates drug trafficking, complicating enforcement efforts. Zamakhshari noted that Kelantan police conduct regular operations in high-risk districts and border areas. Meanwhile, agencies are collaborating to develop a more effective action plan. The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) faces growing challenges with new psychoactive substances and rising Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) use among youth. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah emphasized the need for integrated solutions, including education, rehabilitation, and community empowerment. - Bernama
