Drug abuse among under-15s a growing concern, says Saifuddin

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has warned that drug abuse among children under 15 is growing and needs more comprehensive prevention efforts. According to his figures, people aged between 15 and 39 are the largest group involved in drug abuse. Saifuddin stressed the need for earlier intervention, better education, and greater parental involvement to tackle the issue. He emphasized that public education efforts must be strengthened to raise awareness and encourage families to take preventive action.

Saifuddin highlighted that drug-related case rates exceeded the national threshold in several states, including Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Pendang in Kedah and Kuala Krai in Kelantan recorded the highest rates in the country, with rates exceeding 1,000 cases per 100,000 population. Other districts with high rates included Tumpat, Tanah Merah, Bachok in Kelantan, and Besut in Terengganu.

The home minister stressed the importance of cooperation between his ministry, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the police, and state governments to intensify awareness and prevention programs in the affected areas. These efforts would involve community outreach programs to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.

However, Saifuddin also reported that immigration depots nationwide were facing capacity pressures due to daily enforcement operations against undocumented migrants. The depots have a combined capacity of about 20,000 people, but overcrowding has become a significant issue due to the steady influx of detainees.