Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah recently shared statistics from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) regarding drug offence cases in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2025.
Notably, the data revealed that a total of 559 individuals nabbed for drug abuse were degree holders, which is 0.5% of the total cases. These include bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral (PhD) degrees.
Deputy Home Minister reveals the statistics of drug abuse cases in the first quarter of 2025

Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah
Moreover, Dr Shamsul Anur Nasarah was quoted by BERNAMA as saying that another 2,323 arrested for drug abuse were diploma holders, or 2.1% of the total.
He added that these individuals were involved in abusing various substances, including synthetic drugs and traditional drugs, such as marijuana and heroin. Furthermore, most of them were young adults between the ages of 19 and 40.
For the drug abuse cases in the first quarter of 2025, the AADK data also revealed that:
- 503 held Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM)
- 41,473 held Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
- 30,016 attained secondary-level education, such as the Lower Secondary Assessment (PMR) or its equivalent
- 9,736 only had a primary school education
- 21,057 had no formal education

Source: Top Universities
Besides that, youths aged 15 to 40 make up the largest group of drug users nationwide, with 65,264 individuals or 60.2% of the total.
AADK spends RM51 daily to rehabilitate one drug abuser in Malaysia

For illustration purposes
Commenting on the statistics, the Deputy Home Minister asserted,
“These individuals are supposed to be the nation’s future, but they are caught in the grip of drug addiction. This is very alarming, especially as we are also seeing involvement among schoolchildren.
“For the same period, 23 students aged 14 were found to be involved in drug abuse.”
Dr Shamsul Anuar added that AADK is now focusing on the prevention of drug addiction activities, because it not only damages the country’s future generations, but also requires high expenses to treat it.
Specifically, the agency spends RM51 per day for each Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) trainee.

For illustration purposes
So, what do you guys think of the statistics? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Kelantan Police Chief Reveals Rising Drug & Ketum Abuse Cases Among PDRM Personnel in The State

