Malaysia adopts a rehabilitation-first approach to drug abuse as online drug markets, synthetic substances and fentanyl pose growing threats.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is facing an emerging drug threat driven by online markets and new psychoactive substances (NPS), while simultaneously shifting its national approach towards treating drug users as patients rather than criminals, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told Parliament today.
Responding to a supplementary question from Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (Langkawi–PN) on NPS, Saifuddin said drug distribution is increasingly taking place through online platforms, creating new enforcement challenges for authorities.
He said operators often claim to be mere intermediaries, complicating prosecution efforts.
“This is a significant enforcement challenge. Our laws still need to be updated,” he said.
Saifuddin also highlighted concerns over fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid detected in vape liquid raids.
Laboratory tests have confirmed its presence, although he said Malaysia’s situation remains less severe than in countries such as the United States and Canada.
He added that individuals aged 15 to 39 account for about 75 per cent of synthetic drug abuse cases nationwide.
“Every family and household must play a role in preventing drug abuse,” he said.
In a separate response to Ramkarpal Singh (Gelugor–PH), Saifuddin said the government has already begun shifting away from a punitive approach towards a rehabilitative model.
“Without a doubt, the government is now viewing those involved in drug abuse as patients who need treatment and rehabilitation,” he said.
He said Parliament has passed amendments to the Drug Dependants Act that decriminalise minor drug-related offences, particularly for users of small quantities under Sections 12(2) and 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Under the new framework, individuals who voluntarily seek treatment at rehabilitation centres (Puspen) will not receive a criminal record.
Saifuddin said families can now bring affected individuals directly to rehabilitation centres without prior hospital verification, with a two-week assessment period in place before longer-term treatment decisions are made.
He said the policy shift reflects a broader move away from treating users purely as offenders, although voluntary treatment uptake remains below expectations.
He added that while minor drug-related offences have been decriminalised, the role of the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has been strengthened.
“For the police, drugs are a crime requiring enforcement. For AADK, those involved are individuals who need rehabilitation. Our task is to harmonise both approaches,” he said.
On average, about 400,000 police reports are lodged nationwide each month, with analysis showing offences under Sections 15(1), 12(2) and 39C among the most common.
He added that individuals under Section 15(1) offences may be linked to up to 29 other types of crime, while those under Section 12(2) may be linked to 11.
He described these offences as a “highway to crime”, linking them to theft, robbery, snatch theft and intimidation.
