A TOTAL of 191,832 drug users were recorded and received treatment across Malaysia last year, marking a slight decrease from 192,857 cases reported in the previous year, according to the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the figures indicate a modest reduction of approximately 0.5 per cent, with drug abuse affecting a wide range of age groups nationwide.
“Based on the statistics, there were no reported cases involving children aged 12 and below last year, compared with three cases recorded in 2024,” he noted.
For adolescents aged 13 to 18, the number of drug users fell to 1,213 individuals in 2025, down from 1,255 the previous year. Among young adults aged 19 to 39, there were 112,632 drug users, a decrease from 116,254 in 2024.
However, the statistics reveal increases in older age groups. Adults aged 40 to 59 registered 72,590 drug users last year, up from 70,188 in 2024, while seniors aged 60 and above rose to 5,397 cases, compared with 5,166 the year before.
“Although the overall record shows a slight decline last year, it does not mean the situation is under control,” Ruslin emphasised after attending the Jelajah Aspirasi Bebas Dadah (JABD) programme in Kuala Lumpur.
“It highlights the need for prevention programmes to remain comprehensive and at peak effectiveness in tackling the country’s drug challenges.”
He urged communities and parents to remain vigilant.
“We want the public to understand that drugs are not to be taken lightly, and parents must recognise the dangers of illicit substances. Everyone has a role to play because this issue is not the sole responsibility of AADK or the government.”
Ruslin also highlighted the contributions of community initiatives such as the Anti-Drug Squad (SKUAD Antidadah), the Drug Rehabilitation Committees (JKPD), and Peer Educators (PRS), which continue to assist nationwide in prevention efforts.
The figures underline the ongoing complexity of Malaysia’s drug situation, signalling that while treatment numbers have slightly decreased, older populations are increasingly affected, and preventive interventions must continue without compromise. – March 15, 2026
