Terengganu emerges as drug abuse hotspot with highest rate nationally

Terengganu has emerged as the nation's drug abuse hotspot, with the National Anti-Drugs Agency reporting 735 cases per 100,000 residents. The alarming rate places the east coast state significantly ahead of its peers in tackling substance dependency issues.

Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis follow Terengganu on the list of states with the highest drug abuse incidence rates. The concentration of cases in the northern and eastern regions underscores persistent challenges in controlling drug trafficking and addiction in these areas.

The National Anti-Drugs Agency's findings highlight the scale of substance abuse across Malaysia's states, with significant geographic variation in prevalence rates. The data provides a critical baseline for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to allocate resources and design targeted intervention strategies.

These figures come as authorities continue efforts to combat drug supply chains and expand rehabilitation programmes nationwide. The disproportionate rate in Terengganu suggests the need for enhanced prevention, enforcement and treatment initiatives in the state to reverse the trend.