National Anti-Drugs Agency launches SKUAD Junior in schools to train students aged 10-17 in early drug prevention efforts across Malaysia
BUTTERWORTH: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) is expanding its anti-drug volunteer initiative to schools through the newly established SKUAD Junior programme.
AADK deputy director-general Zainudin Abdullah said this platform trains students aged 10 to 17 to become anti-drug advocates within their school communities.
“We hope they will become future members of the anti-drug squad once they reach the age of 18,” he told reporters after an appreciation ceremony for the 2025 national-level Anti-Drug Squad Gathering.
Zainudin revealed that 32 schools have already established SKUAD Junior units nationwide.
The agency is also expanding SKUAD Antidadah membership to public and private higher learning institutions, including matriculation and vocational colleges.
This expansion is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Zainudin stressed that youth involvement is crucial since over 70% of individuals involved in drug abuse are aged between 18 and 45.
As of June this year, 134,916 cases of drug addicts and substance abuse were recorded nationwide.
This represents an 8.8% decrease compared to 148,015 cases during the same period last year.
Kelantan recorded the highest rate per 100,000 population at 758 individuals.
Terengganu followed with 754 individuals, while Perlis recorded 731 individuals per 100,000 population. – Bernama
