From Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan, Malaysia is grappling with a growing drug crisis—one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Earlier this year, Kuala Lumpur made headlines when authorities seized over RM118 million worth of drugs in just three months—more than the entire total for 2024.
READ MORE: KL’s rising drug problem
Now, further east, Kelantan is under the spotlight.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution recently revealed that drug-related offences continue to rise in the state, with 80% of inmates at Machang Prison and 65% at Pengkalan Chepa Prison jailed for drug-related charges. These numbers are deeply concerning—but they reflect a broader national trend, not an isolated case.
For employers across Malaysia, especially those in safety-critical industries, this trend represents more than a public health issue. It’s a workforce safety risk hiding in plain sight.
Malaysia’s drug crisis is growing fast
Drug abuse across Malaysia is rising, and not just in urban or high-profile areas. Director General of AADK, Ruslin Jusoh reported over 131,000 cases of new drug addicts last year with Kelantan recording the highest number of cases.
Whether it’s border towns, rural communities, or major cities like KL, the effects are being felt everywhere. The risks aren’t just on the streets—they’re also showing up in the workplace.
What this means for employers and employees
Substance abuse among employees can compromise safety, lower productivity, and increase the likelihood of workplace incidents or errors—especially in safety-sensitive industries like:
- Construction
- Transport and logistics
- Manufacturing
- Mining and heavy industry
These are sectors where split-second decisions and clear-headedness are critical. The presence of drugs or alcohol in these settings can endanger not just the user, but their colleagues, clients, and the public.
And yet, many businesses still lack structured drug and alcohol policies or testing procedures—leaving them vulnerable to avoidable risks.
TEKAD: Malaysia’s framework for a drug-free workplace
To address these concerns, the TEKAD Program (Tempat kerja bebas dadah) by AADK provides a clear and proactive model.
Companies like Petronas have already partnered with AADK to roll out TEKAD within their operations, demonstrating how the program can work at scale and align with broader safety and wellness goals.
For businesses looking to implement similar standards, our piece on drug intervention in schools explores how early education and prevention models can translate to workplace environments.
How employers can act now
Employers can implement preventative measure to get ahead by:
Developing a clear drug and alcohol policy
Outline expectations, testing protocols, and support systems. Align your internal policies with TEKAD’s pillars where possible.
LEARN MORE: How to Implement Drug & Alcohol Testing in Malaysian Workplaces
Conducting regular, reliable testing
Use certified drug test kits, and industrial breathalysers for quick and accurate results. Andatech’s workplace solutions are designed to meet Malaysian standards and can help identify issues early—before they become incidents.
Building a culture of support, not shame
Employees should feel safe reporting concerns or seeking help. Provide access to counselling, EAP services, or collaborate with AADK for external referrals.
Drug safety is workforce safety
The data from Kelantan is deeply troubling—but it’s part of a much larger story that affects every state, every city, and every industry in Malaysia.
Workplace safety doesn’t start with protective equipment or training—it starts with clear minds and clean choices.
By aligning with programs like TEKAD and adopting reliable workplace drug testing, employers can protect their people, their reputation, and their bottom line.
Contact Andatech to learn more about workplace safety solutions including certified alcohol breath testers and drug testing kits.
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
