Terengganu records highest drug abuse rate in 2026

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 20 — Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis recorded the highest rates of drug or substance addiction and abuse in the country, based on statistics up to June 2026, said National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.

He said Terengganu recorded the highest rate at 735 individuals per 100,000 population, followed by Kelantan (694), Kedah (669) and Perlis (646).

“The ranking of these four states reflects the extent of drug addiction and abuse that requires attention and targeted intervention.

“Geographical factors also contribute to this situation, with cross-border smuggling routes identified as among the risk factors influencing drug-related problems in these areas,” he said in a statement today.

Ruslin said a total of 130,307 drug and substance abuse cases were recorded nationwide during the same period, equivalent to a rate of 381 individuals per 100,000 population.

He said the statistics were compiled based on integrated data from four main sources, namely Nada, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Health Ministry and private rehabilitation centres.

In this regard, Ruslin said Nada was focusing on enforcement, prevention programmes and community empowerment in high-risk states, targeting three main segments: educational institutions, families and communities.

“A total of 242 prevention and public awareness programmes were conducted, involving 16,408 participants overall, including 228 programmes in Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah, which involved more than 16,000 participants,” he said.

He added that 4,253 enforcement operations had been conducted nationwide, with 30,157 individuals detained for treatment and rehabilitation programmes as of last Sunday.

On treatment and rehabilitation, Ruslin said Nada prioritised a voluntary approach, with the average number of individuals seeking treatment on their own initiative rising from 75 a month in 2025 to 232 a month this year.

“This increase reflects positive progress following the implementation of amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, which came into force on Aug 22, 2025,” he said.

He said Nada would continue to adopt a data-driven approach and strengthen cooperation with state governments through the Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meetings to coordinate prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts involving various agencies, families, educational institutions and communities.