Penang detected 13,655 drug addicts last year, with youths aged 15-39 making up 76% of amphetamine-type stimulant users, prompting strengthened anti-drug initiatives
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 13,655 drug addicts and abusers were detected in Penang last year. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that 95.2% of those detected were male.
Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) accounted for the highest number of cases at 8,070 individuals, representing 59.1% of the total. Youths aged between 15 and 39 made up 5,539 of these ATS cases, constituting 76.4% of all users in that category.
“Efforts to empower the Penang Anti-Drug Squad Programme will continue to be strengthened as a youth volunteer platform,” Chow said after chairing the State Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) meeting. He highlighted the use of the e-Squad digital platform to enhance prevention and awareness initiatives.
The meeting was attended by National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh and other agency representatives. Chow, who chairs the state MTMD, said the Drug-Free Workplace Programme (TEKAD) is being implemented across all 29 state government departments.
This reflects a commitment to fostering a drug-free work environment. The programme aims to produce ethical, healthy and productive civil servants.
Chow added that MTMD coordinates anti-drug policies, strategies and programmes at state and district levels. Its focus is on strengthening inter-agency collaboration to tackle emerging challenges.
Concerns highlighted included a rise in drug seizures, particularly methamphetamine (syabu). The meeting also noted increasingly sophisticated syndicate operations using digital platforms and cross-border networks.
Key policy and progress papers were reviewed, including the Five-Year Focus on the Drug-Free Aspiration Village (KABD). An impact report on the Anti-Drug Squad Movement aimed at empowering youth volunteerism was also discussed.
Updates on drug abuse trends were presented by AADK. Enforcement data on arrests and seizures was provided by the Royal Malaysia Police.
“Overall, this meeting reaffirms the commitment of the state government and all relevant agencies to strengthen cooperation,” Chow stated. He said the goal is to take concrete action in addressing the drug problem holistically.
This effort aligns with the Controlled Drugs 2030 target and the aspirations of Penang Vision 2030.