.png)
HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has raised serious concerns over the rising trend of drug abuse and smuggling in Kelantan, citing official data indicating increases in arrests, remands, and convictions since 2022.
During a working visit to the state today, Saifuddin noted that drug-related offences now rank among the most critical security issues in Kelantan. “Data shows the majority of seized drugs fall under synthetic categories such as ‘pil kuda’ and stimulant-type narcotics. Cannabis was also confiscated, but in much smaller amounts,” he said during a press conference at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan.
“The trends in addiction, distribution, and smuggling are increasing, and this is evident from the rising number of arrests and convictions,” he added.
The minister also expressed alarm over overcrowding in Kelantan's prisons, a situation he attributed mainly to drug-related offences.
“Machang Prison now houses over 3,000 inmates despite having a capacity of only 1,560 – that’s 104 percent over capacity. Of that number, 80 percent are drug offenders,” he said.
“Pengkalan Chepa Prison also exceeds its capacity, holding 2,977 inmates, with 65 percent of them involved in drug-related cases.”
According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) standards, drug abuse levels are measured by the number of cases per 100,000 population. Saifuddin said Kelantan, with a population of 1.8 million, has recorded approximately 23,000 drug-related cases from four key sources: the Ministry of Health, the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID), the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), and rehabilitation centres.
“This gives Kelantan a ratio of over 1,000 cases per 100,000 people, far above the national average of 566,” he said.
The five districts with the highest number of drug cases in Kelantan are Jeli, Kuala Krai, Bachok, Tanah Merah, and Pasir Puteh. Kelantan is also among four border states — alongside Kedah, Perlis, and Terengganu — with the highest incidence rates.
In response, the Royal Malaysia Police in Kelantan have been instructed to enhance enforcement efforts to disrupt drug supply chains, while strengthening collaboration with AADK to streamline preventive strategies.
“I also emphasise the importance of raising awareness at the community and school levels to combat this drug threat,” Saifuddin said, adding that overall security in the state remains stable due to consistent efforts by enforcement agencies.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat was also present during the visit.
Drug Smugglers Shift Focus to Kedah
In a related development, Saifuddin revealed that following the closure of all 212 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok since December last year, drug smuggling activities have shifted to coastal areas in Kedah.
“I was informed just last week of increased drug landings in areas like Kuala Kedah, Kuala Sanglang, and Kuala Jerlun after we tightened control at Sungai Golok,” he said during a press conference following the Home Ministry’s Post-Cabinet Meeting in Kelantan.
“While drug smuggling trends in Kelantan have declined, the drop is not yet significant and ongoing monitoring is still required.”
The Sungai Golok border, stretching over 103 kilometres, had previously been a key smuggling route for drugs and undocumented migrants. Following the crackdown, Kelantan police deployed 819 officers from various units and began enforcing Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act against those entering the country via unofficial routes.
“As a result, what was once 4,000 to 5,000 daily illegal crossings has now dropped to only a few dozen,” Saifuddin noted.
More Border Control Posts
The Home Ministry will progressively expand the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) across more entry points this year to enhance national border security.
Saifuddin said AKPS is currently operating at 22 of the country’s 140 official entry points, forming a trial phase to assess the unit’s operational performance.
“This period is being used to evaluate their capabilities, operational challenges, and areas that need improvement,” he said, noting that each checkpoint has its own operational complexity — from land borders in Rantau Panjang to high-volume crossings like Johor-Singapore, and international airports like KLIA1 and KLIA2.
AKPS, established in January, integrates multiple enforcement agencies including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Immigration Department, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS), Road Transport Department (JPJ), and others.
“Although still new, AKPS has already recorded seizures valued at around RM400,000. However, our main focus remains on improving operational effectiveness,” he added.
Saifuddin said the expansion of AKPS will depend on staffing requirements and logistical considerations.
“We are in the process of acquiring assets in an orderly manner. Some assets can be immediately transferred, while others are bound by existing contracts. We are streamlining these processes,” he said.
“I’m satisfied with current performance, but there are still elements that need refining,” he added. - May 4, 2025