1,256 students are drug users, number rising

The number of drug users among students is rising with 1,256 detected in the first six months of this year by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).

AADK Prevention Division director Abdul Rahman Hamid said the figure was obtained through urine tests conducted in schools.

"The situation is still under control but nevertheless a serious issue because the number is rising compared to last year.

"These students are new users," he told reporters after the signing of a Note of Understanding between Negeri Sembilan AADK and Seremban Cosmopoint College here yesterday. Also present was Negeri Sembilan AADK director Ismail Ahmad Khairi.

Abdul Rahman said AADK was collaborating with the Education Ministry to manage the problem.

He said drug-positive students were placed under the 'Sayangi Hidup Elak Derita Selamanya (SHIELDS)' programme and 'Intelek asuhan rohani (Pintar)' programme.

Kedah recorded the highest number of drug users among students, followed by Kelantan, he said, adding, 337 students of public and private higher learning institutions tested positive for drugs in the first six months of this year.

-- BERNAMA