Youths aged between 15 and 39 account for 84 per cent of synthetic drug addicts in Malaysia, according to the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said amphetamine-type stimulants such as syabu (methamphetamine), pil kuda (yaba) and ecstasy remain the most widely abused substances in the country.
“This is an alarming figure because the majority of synthetic drug addicts are youths who should be key assets to nation-building. Approximately 73 per cent of all drug abuse cases involve synthetic drugs, while the remainder are traditional drugs such as heroin and cannabis,” he told reporters after opening the 2026 National Anti-Drug Day in Kepala Batas on 27 June.
Ruslin said peer pressure, easy access to synthetic drugs, and faster effects compared to traditional drugs drive youth involvement. Abuse of these substances is increasingly seen as a lifestyle among some young people.
“We observe that synthetic drugs are increasingly accepted as part of the lifestyle of some young people due to easy access and faster effects compared to traditional drugs,” he said.
He added that personal and family problems, such as domestic conflicts and broken relationships, also push youths toward drugs as a way to cope with pressure.
Ruslin revealed that East Coast states recorded among the highest rates of synthetic drug addiction, particularly involving pil kuda consumption.
“In the East Coast, pil kuda is far more dominant compared to heroin or cannabis. This trend aligns with the surge in synthetic drug use, which now dominates most drug addiction cases in Malaysia,” he said.
The 2026 National Anti-Drug Day was held at Dataran Sungai Muda, Kampung Titi Merdeka in Kepala Batas. It was officiated by Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and Penang State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen were also present.
Source: Bernama
