KL's Drug Abuse Landscape: Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Remain Prime Concern
Regional leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar, advocate for the establishment of a regional monetary fund to enhance financial robustness among ASEAN nations.
Taking a closer look at Kuala Lumpur's drug and substance abuse scene, we see a troubling 253 addicts per 100,000 population [1]. This highlights the city's commitment to addressing drug-related issues head-on.
Amid the encouraging nationwide drop of 10.5% in drug abuse cases for the first quarter of 2025 [4][5], it's worth noting that the widespread use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) persists as the main concern.
In fact, ATS encompassing methamphetamine (syabu), ecstasy, and amphetamine continue to be the drugs most frequently abused in Malaysia [3][4]. Although precise data for Kuala Lumpur isn’t readily available, the national trend paints a clear picture of ATS as a significant issue.
As disheartening as the national increase of 34.4% in ATS cases in 2024 compared to 2023 may seem [3], efforts to combat drug abuse are proving effective with a marked decline in overall cases in Q1 of 2025.
Bulk of this success can be attributed to successful border control crackdowns on trafficking routes, particularly in Kelantan, a known entry point for drugs [4][5]. Meanwhile, ongoing enforcement operations and intensified public awareness campaigns have also significantly contributed to the reduction in drug abuse cases across Malaysia.
In an attempt to increase public awareness about the dangers of drugs, a five-kilometer run was organized during the KL Car Free Morning program in conjunction with the 2025 Anti-Drug Day at Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) square. More than 1,000 participants joined this event aimed at promoting the message that drug prevention is a collective responsibility in a casual, health-focused, and inclusive atmosphere.
Although data regarding ATS abuse in Kuala Lumpur is scarce, the city’s drug abuse rate and national trends suggest that focused strategies are essential to address the ATS issue specifically. Continuous efforts in this direction promise a safer and healthier environment for urban residents, especially the youth and families, as the ultimate goal remains to establish a drug-free environment in the city.
- Despite the nationwide decrease of 10.5% in drug abuse cases for the first quarter of 2025, the persisting use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), including methamphetamine, ecstasy, and amphetamine, remains a significant concern not just for Malaysia, but also for Kuala Lumpur.
- In an endeavor to combat the ATS issue in Kuala Lumpur, a five-kilometer run was organized as part of the KL Car Free Morning program, aiming to increase public awareness about the dangers of drugs and promoting the message that drug prevention is a collective responsibility.
- The city's commitment to addressing drug-related issues head-on is evident in their ongoing enforcement operations, border control crackdowns, and intensified public awareness campaigns, which have reportedly contributed to a marked decline in overall drug abuse cases in Q1 of 2025.
- While financial resources may be required to implement and sustain these strategies, the long-term benefits of a drug-free environment in Kuala Lumpur extend beyond health and wellness, reaching into aspects such as business and finance, as a safer and healthier city can foster economic growth and stability.
