Drugs not Kelantan’s problem alone, says deputy MB

Kelantan deputy chief minister Fadzli Hassan has stated that drug addiction in the state is a shared concern that requires collaboration between all relevant agencies, rather than placing the blame on others. The deputy chief minister emphasized that Kelantan's international border with Thailand plays a significant role in the region's drug abuse problem, as it often serves as the initial entry point for drug syndicates before narcotics are distributed to other states.

Fadzli highlighted that borders bring both opportunities and challenges, noting that Kelantan, like other border states, faces both benefits and adverse effects.

He pointed out that while Kelantan does not wish to evade responsibility, the deputy chief minister called for a collective effort among all relevant bodies to address the issue rather than attributing shortcomings to others. In June, the national anti-drugs agency reported that Kelantan had the highest rate of drug abuse cases in the country for 2025, with 1,105 drug addicts and abusers per 100,000 population.

This figure surpassed the rates in Terengganu, Perlis, and Kedah, which were 997, 970, and 965, respectively. To combat the issue, Kelantan police have implemented a strategy of assigning station chiefs with the objective of arresting at least one drug addict daily. However, two station chiefs received warning letters in September for failing to meet this target.