By Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman Alliance for a Safe Community
KOTA KINABALU: The persistent and growing problem of drug abuse in Malaysia should be a matter of grave national concern.
Despite decades of enforcement, rehabilitation programmes and public awareness campaigns, drug abuse continues to spread, particularly among young people. The rapid emergence of synthetic drugs has made the challenge even more dangerous and complex.
We must ask ourselves an uncomfortable but necessary question: Are we fighting a losing battle against drug abuse?
The increasing prevalence of synthetic drugs, which are often cheaper, more potent and easier to produce than traditional drugs, has changed the landscape of drug abuse.
These substances can cause severe psychological disturbances, violent behaviour, hallucinations and permanent brain damage.
They are also more difficult for authorities to detect and regulate because their chemical composition can be altered to evade existing laws.
The sight of individuals wandering the streets in a confused, disoriented or aggressive state due to drug abuse is deeply disturbing.
It is a tragedy not only for the individuals concerned but also for their families and for society as a whole. Every “zombie” we see on our streets is a reminder that someone has fallen through the cracks of our prevention, treatment and enforcement systems.
This is no longer merely a law enforcement issue. It is a national public health, social, educational and security challenge that requires a comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society response.
While enforcement remains essential, we cannot arrest our way out of this problem.
We must address the root causes that make young people vulnerable to drugs, including mental health issues, peer pressure, family breakdown, unemployment, social isolation and the influence of organised criminal syndicates.
To strengthen our national response, I propose the following:
1. Declare drug abuse, especially synthetic drug abuse, a national priority with stronger coordination among all relevant ministries and agencies.
2. Intensify intelligence-led enforcement against drug trafficking syndicates, particularly those manufacturing and distributing synthetic drugs, while strengthening border security and disrupting online drug sales.
3. Strengthen prevention programmes in schools, colleges and universities through continuous education that develops life skills, resilience and informed decision-making, rather than relying solely on fear-based campaigns.
4. Expand mental health services for young people, recognising the close relationship between substance abuse and psychological distress. Early intervention and counselling should be readily available in educational institutions and communities.
5. Empower parents and families with the knowledge and skills to recognise early warning signs of drug abuse and to seek timely assistance.
6. Enhance community-based rehabilitation and aftercare services to reduce relapse rates. Recovery does not end when treatment ends; former addicts need employment opportunities, counselling, family support and community acceptance.
7. Harness technology to monitor emerging drug trends, identify online trafficking networks and provide accessible digital platforms for prevention, counselling and reporting.
8. Engage youth as partners in prevention efforts by supporting peer-led initiatives, youth ambassadors and community volunteer programmes that encourage healthy lifestyles and resilience.
Drug abuse is not just destroying lives—it is weakening families, undermining communities and threatening the nation’s future workforce and productivity.
If we fail to act decisively today, we risk creating a generation trapped in addiction, with far-reaching consequences for public safety, healthcare and economic development.
The fight against drugs cannot be left solely to the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and the Royal Malaysia Police. It requires the active participation of every stakeholder—government agencies, schools, employers, religious organisations, community leaders, civil society organisations, parents and young people themselves.
Malaysia has overcome many national challenges through unity and collective action. We must now demonstrate the same determination in confronting the menace of synthetic drugs. The cost of complacency is simply too high.
The question is not whether we can afford to strengthen our response. The real question is whether we can afford not to.
