PEMADAM To Prioritise Fight Against Synthetic Drugs Among Educated Youth

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (PEMADAM) will prioritise combating the rising threat of synthetic drugs, particularly among young people with higher education, said its National Chairman and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

This focus will headline the 46th PEMADAM Biennial National Assembly, set for Aug 9-11 at the Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex, which aims to strengthen prevention strategies and involve more young leaders and academics in PEMADAM’s national leadership.

“PEMADAM must adapt to current challenges. Synthetic drugs are cheap, easily accessible and increasingly popular among youth aged 15 to 30, including those with higher education,” he said at a press conference before chairing PEMADAM’s National Executive Committee meeting today.

Field visits to states such as Kelantan, Penang and Sabah, conducted in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), revealed a concerning shift. Studies show drug users now include highly educated individuals, some holding PhDs, especially in the East Coast region.

“This indicates traffickers are targeting groups with high potential to be productive and contribute to national development,” Dr Shamsul Anuar added.

The assembly, expected to be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, will feature exhibitions from AADK, the Prison Department and the Serenti Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN).

He said special sessions will highlight the latest synthetic drug trends and traffickers’ newest tactics.

-- BERNAMA