Drug Abuse Among Malay Youths: Where Have We Gone Wrong?

By Nurul Hanis Izmir

PUTRAJAYA, July 24 (Bernama) -- With data showing that over 75 per cent of drug addicts in Malaysia are Malay youths, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the country’s social support system in protecting this generation from an escalating addiction crisis.

Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) indicates that Malay males aged between 15 and 39 make up 60 to 70 per cent of the total number of addicts in the country.

This reality has sparked concern, as this demographic should be a key asset to the country's development, not fall victim to a destructive cycle of addiction that damages both individuals and family institutions.

AADK Prevention Education principle assistant director Mahadzir Elias described the phenomenon as a systemic issue that must be addressed collectively, not merely through enforcement.

"If our village is overrun with drugs, we can’t just blame the police...we are members of that village. If it’s our own child who gets involved, we can’t put the blame on the neighbours," he told Bernama.

He added that communities must act as supportive ecosystems by playing an active role, including guiding and monitoring young people from an early age.

“Without collective action, this group could become a social time bomb that destroys family institutions, undermines the strength of the nation, and jeopardises the country’s future,” he said.

Despite the alarming statistics, questions arise as to whether the drug crisis among youth stems partly from poor communication within families -- many teenagers are believed to fall into addiction not merely due to external influences but because they lack safe spaces for expression, sharing, and early guidance.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar also said that in addition to life pressures and environmental factors, the failure to establish effective communication between parents and children is a major contributor to the problem.

“Children are a trust. Do not let life’s pressures or gaps in communication rob them of their future,” he said.

Mohd Na’im emphasised the importance of safe spaces within families and communities to prevent youth from going astray.

In rehabilitation efforts, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has adopted new approaches by engaging target groups via social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts, in line with a call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen dakwah and counselling in tackling drug addiction.

On the ground, mosques such as Masjid Putra in Putrajaya serve as centres for spiritual rehabilitation and community support, offering modules in prayer, zikir, halaqah, and family involvement.

“This is not only spiritual rehabilitation but also repairing family bonds damaged by drug abuse. Dakwah approaches for today’s youth must keep pace with the times,” he said.

The MyInsaniah programme has also been introduced to strengthen Islamic identity and leadership among those aged 13 to 23, serving as an early intervention to develop principled, competent and spiritually resilient youth.

AADK employs a comprehensive approach in prevention and treatment, including public education, intervention for at-risk groups, and focused rehabilitation.

Youth are involved as agents of change in communities, while rehabilitation emphasises spirituality, self-discipline, and social support to rebuild the lives of former addicts.

“Zikir and the five daily prayers are compulsory…all of this builds discipline and values, and is also a form of dakwah incorporated into rehabilitation,” said Mahadzir.

Former addict Muhammad Amin (not his real name), 30, told Bernama that spiritual and community-based approaches helped save him after seven years of addiction to syabu, driven by emotional distress.

“No matter how big the problem, don’t choose drugs. They’re not a solution. Drugs destroy everything. I’ve been through it, I know,” he said, adding that he has been clean for 16 months following voluntary treatment.

The issue of drug addiction, especially among Malay youth, is not new. Various awareness campaigns, enforcement measures, and prevention efforts have been carried out by many parties for years, yet a definitive solution remains elusive.

The question now is not who should be blamed, but how all stakeholders—religious institutions, educational bodies, families, and the media—can come together to act before more ‘Muhammad Amins’ emerge, as not all may find their way back.

-- BERNAMA