Women drug abuse cases climb to 8,926, with stimulants leading the trend
The National Anti-Drug Agency reported 8,926 women were identified for drug abuse last year, up from 8,638 the previous year.
According to NADA director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, the number of women detected for drug abuse increased to 8,926 last year from 8,638 in 2024. The largest age group was 19 to 39, with 6,193 cases, followed by adults 40 to 59 and a small number of teenagers. Amphetamine-type stimulants were the predominant drug, involved in 7,588 cases, while opiates, cannabis, psychotropic pills and other substances like kratom and cocaine accounted for the remainder.
Ruslin cited a UNODC report that women encounter more complex obstacles than men, including societal stigma, limited finances, and dependence on partners who may restrict treatment access. New provisions under the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, effective from August 22, 2025, allow women to seek voluntary community-based treatment or free care at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre, with additional mobile services reaching rural areas.
Why it matters
Rising female drug abuse highlights gender-specific treatment barriers and informs policy adjustments.
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