BANTING: Kedah recorded the highest number of drug abuse cases in the country at 13,502 cases in 2021.
National Anti-Drugs Agency deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Dr Muhamad Sade Mohamad Amin said the number increased by 28.4% compared to 2020, which recorded 10,518 cases.
He said Johor recorded the second highest number of drug abuse cases with 13,261 cases, followed by Selangor (12,182); Terengganu (12,033), and Kelantan (11,843).
"However, the total number of drug addicts in the country decreased by 4% in 2021, from 128,325 cases in 2020 to 123,139," he told reporters at a roadshow programme as part of the National Anti-Drug Day celebrations at Morib Beach on Sunday (Feb 19).
Commenting on Sunday's programme, Muhamad Sade said it focuses on the role of families, especially parents, in ensuring that their family members are aware that drug abuse is dangerous. - Bernama