DRUG-related cases account for about 75 per cent of Malaysia’s 90,000 prison inmates, with the growing involvement of children under 15 in drug abuse raising concern, Home Minister Datuk Seri said.
He said inmates aged between 15 and 39 formed the largest group among those profiled for drug involvement, but the trend among younger children required more comprehensive prevention efforts.
“When we profile inmates, those aged between 15 and 39 make up the largest group. However, the trend of drug involvement among individuals below 15 is also worrying,” he told reporters after the launch of the Home Ministry’s MADANI Adopted Village and MADANI Adopted School programmes at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jambu Lawar in Machang today.
Saifuddin said most inmates involved in drug cases were convicted under Sections 15(1), 12 and 39 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He added that more than 90 per cent of inmates convicted of drug offences were housed at Machang Prison, while Pengkalan Chepa Prison in Kota Bharu was among the country’s most overcrowded prisons.
Saifuddin said unemployed people accounted for the largest group involved in drug abuse.
He added that synthetic drugs were commonly used among drug users along the east coast, while those on the west coast tended to consume a mixture of synthetic and non-synthetic substances.
“Overall, the use of synthetic drugs is very high because they are easier to obtain,” he said.
He said the National Anti-Drugs Agency had three main functions — education and prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation — and stressed the need to strengthen public awareness and encourage families to take preventive action.
“Efforts to educate the public must be strengthened to raise awareness and encourage preventive action within families,” he said. - October 17, 2026