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POLICE have recorded statements from 17 individuals as part of the investigation into Tang Yi Ze, President of the University of Malaya New Youth Association (UMANY), over his public call for the abolishment of Malaysia’s matriculation programme.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed in a written parliamentary reply that an investigation paper has been opened under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“As of now, 17 witness statements have been recorded, and the investigation into Tang’s statement regarding the abolition of the matriculation system and the proposal to make the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) the sole university entrance requirement is ongoing,” Saifuddin stated.
The case follows 14 police reports lodged over the issue, with Tang’s statement recorded on 23 September. The matter was raised in Parliament by Lim Guan Eng (PH–Bagan), who had asked for an update on the investigation.
In a separate development, the Home Ministry is advancing a National Drug and Substance Threat Action Plan to tackle Malaysia’s worsening drug-related crime situation.
Saifuddin said the plan will serve as the primary reference for enforcement, prevention, treatment, and overall drug management. It will involve law enforcement, healthcare institutions, NGOs, communities, and the private sector.
Citing data reanalysed with artificial intelligence (AI), he revealed that the majority of crimes in the country are linked to drug offences, particularly under three key sections of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952:
“Section 15(1), which relates to drug consumption; Section 12(2), for minor possession; and Section 39(c), which concerns repeat offences. Those caught for drug use are statistically linked to up to 31 other crimes, while minor possession offenders are often associated with 11 other criminal activities, including robbery and intimidation,” he explained in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
To address this, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) through its Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN), is carrying out major anti-drug operations including Ops Tapis, Ops Sarang, Ops Waran Tangkap and raids on entertainment venues.
“These operations are aimed at eliminating drug dens and related criminal hotspots nationwide,” said Saifuddin.
In 2024, a total of 259,004 individuals were arrested for drug-related offences. From January to August 2025 alone, JSJN recorded 180,611 arrests.
Enforcement measures are being directed not just at users but also traffickers and syndicates.
“More aggressive action is being taken under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Special Preventive Measures Act 1985, and the Forfeiture of Property Act 1988,” Saifuddin added.
He also revealed that the ministry and police are reviewing the First Schedule of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to include new synthetic drugs, known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
“This will allow the law to cover the latest synthetic drugs in circulation. We are also studying amendments to the First and Third Schedules of the Poisons Act 1952 to tighten control over chemical precursors used in synthetic drug production,” he said. - October 14, 2025