Drugs not Kelantan’s problem alone, says deputy MB

Tackling Kelantan’s drug abuse problem is not solely the state government’s responsibility but needs to be handled by all relevant parties, says deputy menteri besar Fadzli Hassan.

Fadzli said one of the main reasons for the east coast’s drug addiction issue is its international border with Thailand, Berita Harian reported.

He said this made Kelantan among the first states that drug distribution syndicates would enter and operate in, before narcotics are distributed in other states.

“When you have borders with other countries, you reap the benefits, but also suffer the ill effects. Kelantan has international borders, not just state borders.

“Sometimes, syndicates intend to bring the drugs to other states, but because they pass through our state and are caught here, Kelantan gets linked to the problem.

“I’m not saying we don’t want to take responsibility. We ask all relevant agencies to work together and take responsibility, rather than blaming the weaknesses of others,” he said.

In June, the national anti-drugs agency said Kelantan recorded the highest rate of drug abuse cases in the country for 2025, followed by Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah.

The agency said there were 1,105 drug addicts and abusers per 100,000 population in Kelantan, while Terengganu recorded 997, Perlis 970, and Kedah 965..

Kelantan police have been trying to combat the issue by setting station chiefs with a target of arresting at least one drug addict a day.

Two station chiefs receiving warning letters in September for failing to meet the target.