Table of ContentsIntroduction.................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 What is a Drug?.................................................................................................................................2

1.2 Usage of Drugs...................................................................................................................................2

1.3 Drug Addiction...................................................................................................................................3

Factors Influencing the Drug-taking Behaviors............................................................................................4

2.1 Why Some Individuals Use Drugs while Some Do Not?.....................................................................4

2.2 Risk Factors........................................................................................................................................5

Effects of Drug Abuse..................................................................................................................................7

3.1 On Individual......................................................................................................................................7

3.2 On Family and Friends.......................................................................................................................9

3.3 Society.............................................................................................................................................11

Situation in Malaysia.................................................................................................................................12

4.1 Statistics of Drug Users in Malaysia.................................................................................................15

4.2 Drug User Profile.............................................................................................................................15

4.3 Type Of Drugs Used – 2006..............................................................................................................15

4.4 Number of Drug Users Detected According to States: (2006 and 2005)..........................................16

Drug Abuse Prevention in Malaysia...........................................................................................................17

5.1 Recent Changes in Prevention of Drug Abuse..................................................................................17

5.2 Education.........................................................................................................................................18

5.3 Mass Media Campaign.....................................................................................................................18

5.4 Enforcement of Law.........................................................................................................................19

Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................19

Reference List............................................................................................................................................21

1

IntroductionMalaysia, with it’s symbolic figure of skyscrapers such as Kuala Lumpur City Center

(KLCC) and being a multi-racial country that has been living harmoniously despite having

different skin colors and of course in terms or religious beliefs, have often claims to be a well-

developed Muslim country. According to Abdar Rahman Koya (2004), of all Muslim countries,

it is the most developed in terms of standard of living and health and to a certain extent has had a

home grown industrialization not matched by any other Muslim-governed nation state. Yet, it

has also faced the same problem that comes with the Western-style development. One of its same

problems is drug abuse among its young people, the younger generation between the ages of 15

to 39.

Today, in our modern globalised world, drugs more than ever are affecting our lives. No

matter where you are, the presence of drug abuse is there at all times as we are surrounded by

mass media such as television and newspapers. We are continuously being bombarded with news

about drug-related areas whereby illegal drug dealers are being arrested, involvement of drugs

with the celebrities and the athletes, drugs being found at our borders and of course in the town

and within the country itself. Try walking to a dark alley and you might find a spot where all the

drug addicts will be gathered to do their illegal activities.

The abuse of illicit drugs remains a serious problem in Malaysia. Over the decade there

has been a drastic increase in illegal drugs used. In order to save our younger generations from

this entire crisis, first we need to understand it all and from there, only we can find a solution and

take actions. In this research report, the issue of drug abuse in Malaysia will be analyzed and the

purpose is to develop a further understanding of the issue and then find a possible solution so

that this crisis will be solved before it is too late.

2

1.1 What is a Drug?Well, first of all, what is a drug? A chemical substance that, when taken into the body

alters the structure or functioning of the body in some way, excluding those nutrients considered

to be related to normal functioning. (Charles F.Levinthal, 2010) Drugs are chemicals that change

the way a person's body works. Some drugs help you feel better, but drugs also can harm you.

(What you Should Know about Drugs, 2010) In pharmacology, a drug is "a chemical substance

used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance

physical or mental well-being." (Drug, 2007) A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that,

when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. (World Health

Organization (WHO) Expert committee on Drug Dependence, Sixteenth report, 1969)

1.2 Usage of DrugsDrugs can be used for many reasons. It all depends on their attitude towards drugs and

also drug-taking behavior across cultures and societies. Depending on the intention of an

individual towards drugs, it can be classified into instrumental and recreational use. By

instrumental use, it means that a person is taking a drug with a specific socially approved goal in

mind. It also refers to the motivation of a drug user who takes drug for a specific purpose other

than getting “high”. The user may be taking drugs in order to stay awake longer, fall asleep faster

or perhaps even recover from an illness. Recovery from an illness an achieving some reduction

in pain is usually goals that are being unquestioned as it is considered as legitimate in our

society. (Charles F.Levinthal, 2010) On the other hand, recreational use is the use of a drug with

the intention of creating or enhancing recreational experience. (Siegel, Ronald K, 2005) It also

means that the person is taking the drug for the purpose of acquiring the effect of the drug itself

and the main motivation is to enjoy a pleasurable feeling or positive state of mind or in order

words to get “high”. (Charles F.Levinthal, 2010)

3

Drug abuse is typically applied to cases in which a licit or illicit drug is used in ways that

produce some form of physical, mental or social impairment and the main motivational for

individuals involved in drug abuse is for recreational usage. (Charles F.Levinthal, 2010) Drug

abuse can also be defined as compulsive, excessive and worst, self damaging usage of habit

forming drugs or substances. It may also lead to an addiction or dependence and thus serious

physiological injury such as damage to kidneys, liver or psychological harm such as

hallucinations, dysfunctional behavior patterns and last but not least death. Drug abuse can also

be called substance abuse. (Drugs Rehab Org, 2002)

1.3 Drug AddictionDrug abuse can also lead to drug addiction. According to the latest evidence from human

and animal studies (yes, even animals can become addicted to drugs) through Malaysian

Psychiatric Association, addiction is a chronic disease, just like diabetes or hypertension. Drug

addiction is a dependence on an illegal drug or a medication. When a person is addicted, he or

she will not have the ability to control the usage of drug and will be determined to continue using

the drug despite knowing and realizing that it caused a lot more harm to the body. Drug addiction

can also cause an intense or extreme craving for the drug. Quitting is an option that the person

may want to take but unfortunately, it will not be an easy process when it is being done all alone.

Something that is started as a casual activity leads to drug addiction and thus causes serious, long

term consequences including problems with physical and mental health, relationships,

employment and the law. (Mayo Clinic, Drug Addiction, 2011)

4

Factors Influencing the Drug-taking Behaviors“Under the pressure of the cares and sorrows of our mortal condition, men have at all times,

and in all countries, called in some physical aid to their moral consolations -- wine, beer, opium,

brandy, or tobacco.”

Edmund Burke

Substances such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco are being abused by people for varied and

complicated reasons and it is now clear enough that our society is paying a significant cost. The

results of all these actions can be seen clearly in our hospitals and emergency departments

through direct damage to health by involving with the crisis that we are all facing which are

substance abuse and its link to physical trauma. Jails and prisons also face the strong connection

between crime and drug dependence and abuse. (Kevin P Daly, MD, 2010) Whether a person is

white-collared worker or blue-collared worker, young or old, rich or poor, anyone can be

involved with the case of drug abuse.

2.1 Why Some Individuals Use Drugs while Some Do Not?Why some individuals use drugs and others do not? Well, according to Johnston, Lloyd

and O’Malley, Patrick M. in 1986, when high school seniors reported their personal reason for

taking drugs, the most frequently occurring responses among them were “to have a good time

with my friends” (65 percent), “to experiment or see what it’s like” (54 percent), “to feel good or

get high” (49 percent), and “to relax or relieve tension” (41 percent). These responses were

similar to reasons given by the class of following years and there is no reason to suspect

significant differences today.

Like any other mental-health problems or any diseases, drug abuse and addiction do not

have any single major that can be the cause of it. On the surface, we can see that drug abuse

basically is caused by unhappiness, crime, divorce, major illness or maybe stress. It can also be

caused by peer pressure among the society. However, there are a number of biological,

psychological and social factors called risk factors. Risk factors are factors in an individual life

that can increase the likelihood of involvement with drugs (Charles F. Levinthal, 2010) also in

5

other words developing a chemical-abuse or chemical-dependency disorder. (Roxanne Dryden-

Edwards, MD, 2011)

2.2 Risk FactorsWhat are the risk factors? One of the risk factors is Genetic or inherited. After all, every

one of us is a product of our parents. If our previous generations or the closest to our line, our

parents have addiction struggles, chances is that we will be more susceptible to addiction. That is

why drug abuse is more common in certain families than in others. Drug abuse can cause one

generation to pass it on to the next. If our parents smoke, chances are good that we will smoke

too. If our parents used alcohol, we will most probably end up using the drug in very much the

same way we do. It is not only up to our genetics but it is also the upbringing environment that

each of us are being brought up in. (Scheier, Lawrence M., Botvin, Gilbert J., and Baker,

Eli ,1997) Individuals that take drugs are more inclined to attend school irregularly and have

poor relationships with their family which shows that the environment that they will brought up

with is not perfect.

Besides that, some people may have a personality within themselves that is more likely to

become a drug dependent. Some people may have just started with it as a casual act but it ended

up being an addiction. Some may have just being curios and that leads to an addiction. Curiosity

kills the cat. We experiment and see what happens. Some just wants to feel good and by nature

we are all impatient. Drugs give them instant gratification that other things do not, so for just that

moment or hour or for whatever timeframe, we feel good and that is what most important. They

do not look into the future for the consequences of their act. Even those that have personality

characteristics such as aggression and stress may be a factor. Children that have low self esteem

may be more prone to turning to a drug addict. (Drug Abuse Causes, 2010)

6

Drugs can be easily obtained in our modern globalised world. When there is a demand for

it, then it can be found anywhere and everywhere. Even high school students can tell you this.

(Grilly, David, 2006) Drug abuse has now causes people to sell drugs to the most vulnerable

population which are our younger generations, children. Drugs can now be found anywhere from

the stereotypical poor sections of the inner city to town.

Feeling good physically and emotionally is very important to every one of us.

Sometimes, drugs can be seen as the substitution for a healthy life experience. The person is in

pain and thus they want to numb the pain. Drug can nullify the pain and thus for that very

moment they do not feel it anymore. Sometimes people just want to escape from the pain of the

life experience even for a short while. Peer influence is an also a major factor in predicting the

extent of drug-taking behavior during adolescence. It can represent either a risk or protective

factor for the case of drug abuse. (Wright and Pemberton, Risk and Protective Factors). In

Malaysia, the National Anti-Drug Agency reported in 2008 that two of the top reasons teenagers

cited for using drugs were peer influence and curiosity.

7

Effects of Drug AbuseThere is only one reason why men become addicted to drugs, they are weak men.

Only strong men are cured, and they cure themselves.

Martin H. Fischer

Drug addicts have always said “I am not hurting anybody, I am only hurting myself”.

(Mission Enabled, 2012) It is always me, I and myself. But obviously, this statement is not true.

Try asking anyone on the streets whether drugs present a major problem in our current state and

we will all get a loud, clear and affirmative answer. No doubt about that answer. It is clear that

drug abuse have seriously undermines not only being an individual life but also every single

family lives, economy and the society not only in our country but also the Americans. (The

Gallup Organisation, 2005)

A casual act may end up being an addiction. An individual tries drugs or alcohol. Well it

appears that these substances, drugs or alcohol had appeared to solve their problems and in return

they feel better. Thus, the individual looks on to drugs or alcohol as the cure or solution for their

unwanted feelings and problems and in other words, an escape. This release from the

individual’s unwanted feelings and problems is the main reason that they turn their heads over to

drugs again for the second or third time too. At that stage, it just a matter of time before they

become fully addicted and lose their ability to have control towards their usage of drugs and

alcohol. (Drug Addiction Treatment, 2011)

3.1 On IndividualEffects of drug abuse can be felt at many levels, be it individual, friends and family and

societal. On the individual, people who use drugs usually experienced the excitement of a

cocaine effect, for example is followed by a “crash” whereby a period of anxiety, fatigue,

depression and of course a strong desire to obtain more cocaine to reduce the feelings of the

crash. Thus, addiction occurs within oneself, to the very point that oneself can no longer control

8

themselves and resorts to various ways in order to get drugs even though the ways that they used

may be going against a person’s conscience. (US No Drugs, 2009)

Usage of Marijuana and alcohol can interfere with motor control and are one of the main

factors in many automobile accidents. Besides that, alcohol can increase the risks of miscarriage

during the second trimester of pregnancy while Marijuana has pregnancy effects of inconsistent

findings, although there is a tendency for more males to be conceived than females if either

parent is a heavy Marijuana smoker. (Cook, Paddy S., Peterson, Robert C., and Moore, Dorothy

T., 1990) Users of Marijuana and hallucinogenic drugs may also experience flashbacks,

unwanted recurrence of the drug’s effects weeks or months after use. Abrupt abstinence from

certain drugs may also result in withdrawal symptoms. With the continued usage of physically

addictive drugs, an effect known as tolerance develops constantly increasing amounts of the drug

are needed to duplicate the initial effect. Long term abuse definitely will cause changes in other

brain chemical systems and circuits as well. Brain imaging studies of drug addicted individuals

show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgments, decision-making, learning and

memory, and behavior control. Together, these changes can caused and drive the user to seek out

and take drugs compulsively despite adverse, even devastating consequences and that is the

nature of addiction. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011)

One of the hazards or danger associated with drug use by injection is the spread of

diseases when needles are being shared. Injecting drug use is a major driving factor in the spread

of HIV throughout Asia, notably in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. In China, nearly

half of all people infected with HIV are believed to have become infected through injecting drug

use, and in North-East India injecting drug use is the most common HIV transmission route.

(UNAIDS (2008) 'Report on the global AIDS epidemic') Hypodermic needles are being used to

inject some drugs also dramatically increases the risk of contracting Acquired Immune

Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and some other type of Hepatitis.

9

Drug overdose of oneself is also a constant risk. Every year, there are over 10,000 deaths

directly attributed to drug use in the United States. The substances most frequently involved are

cocaine, heroin, and morphine often combined with alcohol or other drugs. (National Institute of

Justice, 2005)

The news headlines have always been showing acts of social violence linked to the world

of illicit drugs and the impact of those acts on our society; “Youth gain false sense of control

with smoking and drugs”, “Police recover drugs stolen from hospital”, “Illegal drug trade”,

“Foreign students running drug syndicate”, “Couple arrested for drug offence” and thousands of

crimes against individuals an property to pay for a continuing pattern of drug abuse, terrorization

of whole communities by drug dealers. Illicit drugs and crime are always bound together in a

web of greed and callous disregard for human life.

3.2 On Family and Friends

Family and friends will definitely be affected by this situation when a member of their

family is involved in the issue of drug abuse or addiction. The user’s preoccupation with the

substance, in addiction with the drug’s effect on mood and performance may be the source of

conflict and thus lead to marital problems and also poor work performance and dismissal. (Drug

Addiction Treatment, 2011) It can disrupt family life and create destructive patterns of

codependency which means that the other partner, spouse or whole family, out of love or perhaps

fear of consequences, inadvertently enable the user to continue with its addiction of drugs by

covering up, providing funds for its addiction and maybe goes into the state of being in denial.

(US No Drugs, 2009)

Effects of drug abuse on the members of the family can be overwhelming. Family

members that are coping with a drug-addicted relative can suffer effects such as financial

instability, impairment of work abilities and reputation, interruption of normal life activities and

of course have a higher risk of health problems due to stress or mostly because of the

10

preoccupation for the drugs. After having involved with drugs, it is impossible for the family to

sustain a healthy existence in their mind. Addicts will have drug-induced illusions which can

alter the family’s own reality, thinking that it is tenuous and unreliable and thus causing

destruction for the foundation of the family. (Dennie Ho, Effects of Drug Abuse on the Family,

2011)

When substance abuse occurs within the family, behavior of every individual will be

frequently unpredictable and miscommunication will occur. Family life will be said as chaos and

unpredictability. From loving to withdrawn to crazy and thus no more connection. Children,

whom are still young to understand their parent’s behavior or mood, will feel confused and

insecure. Many will blame themselves when their parents scream due to lack of satisfaction of

alcohol or drugs. Some children may react by getting good results, keeping the house spic and

span or maybe getting along perfectly with other siblings with the hope that it will sustain their

family relationship and also their parent’s mood. Some may withdraw, hoping not to create any

disturbance that might cause a parent to drink or use. Most of the time, children of substance

abusers are frightened. They may also be victims of physical violence or perhaps even incest. As

a result, these youngsters may suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome with the same kinds of

sleep disturbances, flashbacks, anxiety and also depression. Besides that, they may be terrified

not for their own personal well being but they may also realized that their parents may get sick or

die as a result of drinking or drug use. (Effects of Parental Substance Abuse on Children and

Families, 2011)

Parents that have discover their child’s drug abuse, overwhelming feelings of anger

towards the child will definitely happen. It is due to the thought of the child placing himself in a

dangerous situation and of course guilt from thinking that they should have known or could have

stopped the addiction. Emotional strain will happen for relationships between parents and

children and within the family itself.

11

3.3 SocietyFor over a decade, the government has always had its own war against drugs. Drug abuse

affects society in many ways. In the workplace, as these drug abusers no longer can control

themselves and only aim to satisfy their desire, they no longer have the spirit in moving forward

in their career. Thus, the company may face an inefficiency and low quality of work force. (US

No Drugs, 2009) This may result in an increase of unemployment rate or joblessness in this

developed era. These drug addicts will have to go to the rehabilitation centre instead of being

qualified to be employed. Some of them may have ended up in the centre for more than once.

This definitely displays a bright situation as this will not only increase the expenses of the

country but also diminish the number of government’s staff and thus reduces the productivity of

the country.

The number of crime or violent cases has also increase due to the influence of drugs.

Theft cases have also been increasing due to the person having no income and thus no money to

buy drugs, resulting in actions that involve violent acts. Therefore, with an increase of crime

cases, investors from other countries will also lose their interest to invest in our country.

Besides that, tourism sector in the particular country will also show not a very good

situation as people from other countries will not be eager to visit the country due to the massive

amount of drug addicts. The country will be looked down upon and the reputation of the country

will goes down the drain which definitely will not help the country to develop and move

forward. (Effects and Causes of Drug Abuse, 2010)

12

Situation in MalaysiaIn 1983, Malaysia has declared its drug problem as a national emergency and had

actually done severe enforcement sanctions. That is to mean that if there is anyone being

convicted of trafficking (based on the amount of drug in a person’s possession when he or she is

arrested anytime and anywhere) was sentenced to death. If a person was arrested for possession,

he or she would be sent to a governmental rehabilitation center for two years. The individual will

also be registered as a drug offender with the government. Malaysia has also a policy of “cold

turkey” detoxification for a person addicted to an opiate. Specifically, a person will be placed in

small cell for a week where he or she goes through withdrawal. Once the withdrawal symptoms

ends, the person will be medically examined and be sent into a rehabilitation center. One

exception to the “cold turkey” detoxification is if the individual is 55 years of age or older or has

medical complications, that specific person will be admitted to a hospital and goes through

withdrawal with medication. Currently, at the moment, there are 29 governmental rehabilitation

centers in Malaysia, of which one is especially for women. It should be noted that 97.3% of the

persons incarcerated for drug possessions in the country are male, between the ages of 22 to 29.

(Ministry of Home Affairs, 2005 cited in James F. Scorzelli, 2009, International Journal of

Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 13(2), 21-24)

Once discharged from the rehabilitation center, the person has one year of probation

where he or she has two urine tests a month. The person is required to go for counseling if the

test is being found out positive. Even though the test is positive, the drug abuser would not be

sent back to a rehabilitation center and this would only occur if he or she is arrested again for

possession. As stated, at the beginning of the country’s stringent enforcement policy, the drugs

of abuse were heroin, opium and Cannabis with most offenders using heroin intravenously

(66.3%) (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2005 cited in James F. Scorzelli, 2009, International Journal

of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 13(2), 21-24) Based on governmental studies, the reasons given

for drug abuse pertained to peer pressure and poverty. (Scorzelli, 1989 cited in James F.

Scorzelli, 2009, International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 13(2), 21-24)

13

The problem of heroin abuse in Malaysia is further complicated because of Human

Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV) and Hepatitis C. In a survey of 300,241 registered drug

users from 1988 to 2006, it was found that 18.49% were infected with HIV. (UNICEF, 2007) In

another study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (2006), 177 male Heroin users who were

being treated in a rehabilitation center were medically examined. Of this group, 19.2% had HIV,

89.9% Hepatitis C and 15.7% had tuberculosis. Also, only 8% of these men said that they used a

condom during sexual intercourse.

Within the last five years, Malaysia’s drug problem has worsened with the introduction of

methamphetamine (referred to as syabu) and ecstasy. The death penalty remains for both of these

drugs if a person is apprehended with 50 or more grams of the drug(s).  According the

government, syabu comes from the Philippines and ecstasy from Thailand (Office of Drugs and

Crime, 2003).  Introduction of these new drugs have brought more concern and fear of

contracting HIV from the IV Heroin use. (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2005 cited in James F.

Scorzelli, 2009, International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 13(2), 21-24).  Although

heroin is still the drug of choice, there are reports that 60% of the inmates at a rehabilitation

center in Sabah are methamphetamine abusers (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2005 cited in James F.

Scorzelli, 2009, International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 13(2), 21-24).  To

complicate the situation more, there have been reports of ketamine and cocaine abuse.  In terms

of cocaine, the drug is still a rarity in the region.

These recent changes in the drug usage in Malaysia have resulted in some treatment

changes.  First of all, methadone maintenance was introduced a few years ago.  Yet, this

treatment is only for those persons who volunteer and have not been arrested for drug abuse. 

Those arrested still go through cold turkey detoxification.  Secondly, there has been the

development of over 60 private treatment facilities.  Again, these are only for those persons who

volunteer for treatment and have not been arrested, or for those who have been discharged from a

rehabilitation center.   Many of these facilities have a religious orientation (Islam or Christian),

and like the governmental rehabilitation centers, are based on the therapeutic community model. 

14

There is no data yet on the success of the methadone maintenance program or the effectiveness

of the private treatment facilities.   

Based on a review by the author James F. Scorzelli, Ph.D, 2009, a professor of Health

Sciences, NEU) Malaysia’s attempt to curtail its drug problem does not appear to be working. 

The reasons for this failure appear to pertain to low level of vocational training provided to the

inmates, as well as the diluted treatment services that they receive.   Fortunately, the government

has acknowledged these problems, and is attempting to change the services received at the

rehabilitation centers.

Muslim politicians are now burdened with a challenge that is much more difficult than

winning an election or forming a government. The increasing drug-abuse and other ills will spell

a severe decline in the Islamic movement in the country, if serious efforts are not made by

activists. Failure to do so will also give more opportunity for the activities of Christian

missionaries, who are already active in tackling drugs and other problems in their own heavily-

funded way. (Abdar Rahman Koya, 2004)

15

4.1 Statistics of Drug Users in MalaysiaSources: National Drug Agency, Malaysia. Cited from United Nations Children’s Fund

(UNICEF),2007

In 2006, there are about 22,811 drug users were detected. 12,430 of the drug users were repeat

offenders. There was a 34.47% reduction in the number of cases detected in 2006 as compared to

the 34,813 cases detected in 2005. Pulau Pinang recorded the highest number of detected cases at

5,127, followed by Kedah (2,634), Perak (2,545), Kelantan (2,243) and Johor (2,329). All states

recorded a drop in number of detected cases except for Kedah, Sarawak and Wilayah

Persekutuan Labuan.

4.2 Drug User ProfileSources: National Drug Agency, Malaysia.

The profile of drug users detected in 2006 is as follows:

97.97% male

69.48% Malay 71.04% youth aged between 25-29 years old 78.30% minimum Form 3 secondary education 90.69% employed (majority labourers) 60.73% abuse heroin/morphine 12.56% abuse ATS 59.78% influenced by friends to use drugs.

4.3 Type Of Drugs Used – 2006Sources: National Drug Agency, Malaysia.

Case StatusHeroin & Morfin Candu Ganja Glue Esctasy Syabu Others Codein Total

New 4,103 2 3,573 8 190 1,774 633 98 10,381Repeat 9,749 5 1,702 3 38 637 214 82 12,430Total 13,852 7 5,275 11 228 2,411 847 180 22,811Percent % 60.73 0.03 23.12 0.05 1 10.57 2.77 0.79 100

Note: Others, Psychotropic pills = 621 users; Amphetamine= 226 usersCodein, Cough mixture with CodeineASE

STATUS

16

4.4 Number of Drug Users Detected According to States: (2006 and 2005)Source: National Drug Agency, Malaysia. Cited from United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF),

2007

State 2005 2006

Annual Total Monthly

Average

Pulau Pinang 6,403 5,127 427

Kedah 2,606 2,634 220

Perak 3,340 2,545 212

Johor 3,910 2,329 194

Kelantan 2,514 2,243 187

WP. KL 4,906 2,017 168

Selangor 2,562 1,836 153

Sabah 2,134 846 71

Pahang 1,663 768 64

Sarawak 669 712 59

N. Sembilan 760 624 52

Melaka 650 619 52

Perlis 318 289 24

Terengganu 356 202 17

WP Labuan 17 20 2

Total : 32,808 22,811 1902

17

Drug Abuse Prevention in MalaysiaIn the early days of prevention education, young people were shown what drugs looked like, with

warnings about what evil would befall them if these drugs were taken. In the 1980’s, peers and

adults were portrayed as vicious culprits exposing innocent children to drugs in the “just say

no” campaigns. The more recent focus has been on concurrently teaching refusal skills and

bolstering self-esteem with the belief that these will suffice to prevent experimentation with

drugs. The problem with all of these prevention approaches is that there is no firm evidence that

they work. (J. Kelly Coker, 2001)

Things have always been better and the most promising aspect of drug abuse addiction is

definitely not treatment but prevention is the best option. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Everyone will definitely not questioned that the personal damage and social havoc that is been

brought upon by perhaps the sales or distribution of all these illegal drugs. As the government

has always been reminding us and the warning that the mass media is spreading around the

world, this issue is getting out of our hand and it is not happening within a day but it has been

happening even in the history. The issues are complex and the answers have been elusive for the

case of drug abuse.

5.1 Recent Changes in Prevention of Drug AbuseMalaysia has been fighting this issue since long time ago. Recently, Tan Sri Muhyiddin

Yassin, the Deputy Prime Minister has called on international organizations and communities to

strengthen collaboration to combat the drug abuse menace in view of its rising threats to society,

according to the Bernama reporting on 8th November 2011. He had actually urged everyone to

strengthen the resolve and aggressively reenergize all of our efforts to fight and eliminate drug

abuse on both personal and global levels. At the 24th International Federation of Non-government

Organizations (NGO’s) for the Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse (IFNGO) World

Conference, he said that new and more potent drugs for abuse are being introduced and

announced that the government had allocated a total of RM 6.5 million for NGO’s which

provided treatment and rehabilitation services as well as support for drug users. This situation

18

implies that government has already begun to take action towards this case of drug abuse

seriously.

5.2 EducationEducation increases awareness. Youths these days that are less aware of the risks of

getting involved with drugs are more likely to use it. In this field of preventive education, Tan

Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also said that the National Anti-Drugs Agency is working closely with the

National Association for Drug Prevention (PEMADAM) in carrying out home-based

programmes. Volunteers are being trained to conduct drug prevention programmes as well as

detecting drug users in local communities during the 24th IFNGO World Conference, also being

reported by Bernama on 8th November 2011. According to Youssouf Oomar, the UNICEF

Representative in Malaysia and Special representative of Brunei, youth these days that have

started to do drugs for the first time do not realized that drugs can turn their world upside down.

Instead of leaving them vulnerable to fall into the trap of drugs, guidance should be given to

guide them towards a healthy lifestyle. Prevention of drug abuse education also needs to include

elements such as providing relevant knowledge and information of effects of drugs, addressing

issues such as peer influence, normative beliefs and brain development and developing life skills

and protective factors, considering influences such as mass media and last but not least, building

the personal and social confidence and competence of young people to weigh up and make

appropriate and health choices and decisions. (Mentor Foundation Org)

5.3 Mass Media CampaignMass media campaigns also play an important role in preventing drug abuse case. It

provides a good means to spread awareness within the society. In Malaysia, International Day

against Drug Abuse has been held annually on 26th June as a reminder to everybody to play each

of our own roles in order to make an impact and momentum towards a world that is free from the

harm of drug abuse. (UNICEF, 2007) According to The Star Newspaper, three million

volunteers from the National Anti-Drugs Agency and various agencies under the Home Ministry

had been roped in to fight drug abuse in the country and now known as 1 Malaysia Squad

Against Drug Abuse. These volunteers will be organizing more campaign against the drug abuse

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and also would offer treatment to addicts and help them to find employment. As indicated by the

literature (Dongus, 2005; Greenwood,, Woods, Guydish, & Bein, 2001; Huvvard, Craddock, &

Anderson, 2003; McLellan, et al., 1999; Sindelar, Jofre-Bonet, French, & McLellan, 2004) there

is a relationship between viable employment and drug treatment success.  Work appears to be a

reinforcing factor in helping a recovering drug abuser maintains his or her sobriety. (James F.

Scorzelli, 2009)

5.4 Enforcement of LawLast but not least, enforcement of law should be implemented within the country itself is

very important in tackling this issue. In Malaysia, Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 is the foremost

statute in Malaysia on drugs control which covers penal, procedural and evidential matters, as

well as regulates the importation, exportation, manufacture, sale and use of opium and of certain

other dangerous drugs and substances. The act even provides for the mandatory death penalty to

convicted drug traffickers, while the offence of cultivation and production is punishable with life

imprisonment. (Abdul Rani Bin Kamarudin, Section 39B and 6B of the Dangerous Drugs Act

1952) An offence under the Act is generally not bailable and seizable in that the police may

arrest without a warrant any person, if they have reasonable suspicion that he or she is concerned

in the commission of any offence under the Act. The punishment under the Act is undeniably

deterrent in nature in the sense that the punishment is more punitive in relation to the offence.

ConclusionIn conclusion, throughout this research project, the researcher has found out that

Malaysia has indeed been fighting this issue of drug abuse for a very long period. This does not

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show a very bright situation as we are fighting this issue, a lot of money has been used up for this

purpose. This fund could have been used for a better purpose such as helping the poverty, or

perhaps assist in developing the country further more. It is an indeed unfortunate case that this

issue of drug abuse has been affecting mostly the younger generation in Malaysia. The younger

generation is the leaders of tomorrow. If most of them are being affected by drugs which does

not enabled them to have the ability to think and make wise decision to lead the country, who

would take over to lead the country towards a better future?

It can be said that Malaysia do realized that the issue is still going on within the country

and have already been doing their part in solving this issue. Unfortunately, it can be seen that

Malaysia’s attempt to solve this problem does not appear to be working really effectively

although we can see that there is a decrease in number of drug abuse cases slightly. Every one of

us should take part in solving this issue together. This responsibility does not lie only on the

government but on each and every person in the society. After all,” Coming together is a

beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success”, by Henry Ford

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