While debating the proposed amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) said lack of education is a major contributing factor to involvement in drugs.

“If we look at the figures given, 83,000 out of the 145,000 drug addicts recorded in 2023 had the Penilaian Menengah Rendah as their highest educational qualification,” he told the Dewan Rakyat, citing data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).

“By doing this (introducing the syllabus), our efforts to eradicate drug addiction, which started in the 1980s, will be more successful,” he said.

Amirudin, who is also the Selangor menteri besar, said the government should collaborate with agencies and centres for effective prevention and to address the issue comprehensively.

In November last year, AADK director-general Sutekno Ahmad Belon said drug abuse among schoolchildren and youths had reached an alarming level, with reports of students as young as nine becoming addicts.

Sutekno said studies indicated a significant risk of drug abuse development among adolescents aged 12 to 16.

In 2023, a total of 179,865 people were arrested for drug-related offences, according to Bukit Aman narcotics crime investigation department director Kamarudin Din.