Deputy Home Minister Masir Kujat said since 2009, 4,908 women had tested positive for drugs in Malaysia.

In 2009, women addicts numbered 278; in 2010 (580); 2011 (490); 2012 (439); 2013 (668); 2014 (699); 2015 (1,013); and as of August (741).

He was responding to Noraini Ahmad (Umno-Parit Sulong), who asked for the statistics on drug addicts who are minors and women since 2009.

The figure for drug addicts below 18 years old is higher, with 5,853 minors recorded since 2009.

In 2009, drug addicts below 18 numbered 332; in 2010 (2,142); in 2011 (748); and 2012 (419).

“In 2013, there were 405 addicts; 2014 (622); 2015 (717); and as of August (468).”

Masir said students took drugs due to peer pressure, out of curiosity, and while out in nightclubs.

“We are aware of the fluctuating trend with a relapse rate of 30 per cent every year,” he said, adding that the ministry would continue to carry out drug awareness campaigns at schools and at the community level.