Drug abuse in Malaysia is not slowing down — in fact, it’s accelerating. According to recent data from the Agensi Antidadah Kebangsaan (AADK), 192,857 people were recorded for drug abuse in 2023, marking a significant rise from 145,526 in 2022. And the worrying part? A large chunk of these individuals are from the workforce — your workforce.
As drug use spills into industries across the country, employers, HR teams, and safety managers can no longer afford to look the other way.
Employment and drug abuse: The numbers that hit home
AADK’s data offers a clear breakdown of who’s using — and it paints a stark picture for workplace safety:
- Private sector employees: 40,685 cases
- Self-employed individuals: 55,545
- Unemployed: 70,520
- Government workers: 1,197
- Students: 356
- Retirees: 213
These numbers show that drug abuse is most prevalent among those in or around the workforce, especially in transport, construction, technical fields, and manufacturing. If your team includes drivers, site workers, or machine operators — these risks are already on your radar.
Malaysia’s drug hotspots (KBTs)
AADK has also identified 155 Kawasan Berisiko Tinggi (KBT) — high-risk zones for drug abuse and trafficking — across the country.
Top-ranking states with the most KBTs:
- Johor – 17 KBTs
- Terengganu & Kelantan – 15 KBTs each
- Perak – 14
- Selangor & Kedah – 13
- Pahang – 12
- Others include Melaka (10), Sabah (9), KL (8), Sarawak & Penang (7), Negeri Sembilan (6), and Labuan (3)
These KBTs are defined based on population size, treatment enrolment, and ongoing trafficking concerns. If your workplace is in or near one of these zones, you may already be operating in a higher-risk area — which means proactive testing and education are even more crucial.
Why HR teams should take this seriously
The workplace implications of drug misuse are far-reaching:
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
- Breaches of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) compliance
- Reduced productivity and morale
- Potential legal liability
Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it disappear. Implementing structured, fair drug and alcohol testing policies helps create a safer, more responsible workforce.
When is workplace drug testing allowed in Malaysia?
Employers must follow Malaysian guidelines for lawful testing. You can drug test when:
- Pre-employment – Especially for safety-sensitive roles
- Random testing – Fair and unbiased, as part of a written policy
- Post-incident – After accidents or near-misses
- Reasonable suspicion – If there are signs of impairment
- Return-to-work – As part of rehab or recovery plans
Important: You can’t test indiscriminately. Blanket testing in non-safety roles or without consent may breach employee rights.
🔗 Read the full Code of Practice on drug and alcohol prevention in the workplace (DOSH)
Practical steps for HR and safety managers
To build a compliant and effective program, make sure to:
- ✅ Create a clear drug and alcohol policy
- ✅ Offer awareness and education to staff
- ✅ Use compliant test kits (e.g. oral and urine-based DTKs)
- ✅ Respect employee privacy and consent
- ✅ Provide access to assistance programmes or support resources
Need help putting together your policy? We offer consultation and downloadable checklists tailored to Malaysian laws.
Andatech’s recommended drug test kits
We offer trusted, easy-to-use testing kits for professional workplace use:
DrugSense DSO8+ Saliva Drug Test Kit
- Quick results
- No need for private facilities
- Great for random and post-incident checks
- Detects eight different drug groups and alcohol
SureStep EZ Split Cup Urine Drug Test Kit
- Detects up to 10 different drug groups
- Tamper-proof
- Easy interpretation
💡 Explore workplace drug test kits
Protect your people before it’s too late
Drug use is not just a community problem — it’s a workplace risk. As HR or safety personnel, your role is critical in implementing fair, responsible testing practices that prioritise safety without compromising trust.
💬 Need help crafting your policy or sourcing compliant test kits? Contact Andatech Malaysia for expert guidance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your business’s needs.
Written by Andatech Malaysia
