IPOH - A total of 7,488 out of 14,534 individuals who were ensnared in drug abuse throughout the past year in Perak were youths, said State Communication, Multimedia and NGOs Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi Helmi.
He said the statistic is quite worrying as youths represented 51.5 per cent (pct) of the total number of drug addicts recorded in Perak.
"The 15 to 39 years old age bracket is the group most caught up in this immoral activity. And amphetamine (ATS) was the drug of choice for 47.4 per cent of addicts compared to other substances such as marijuana, opiates and psychotropic drugs," he said.
Mohd Azlan was speaking at the opening of the state Anti-Drug Day (HAD) commemoration programme at the Youth and Sports Complex (KBS) here today.
He said drug abuse not only hampers productivity but also has a long-term impact on the well-being of the population.
"Therefore, the prevention and awareness approach needs to start as early as possible and ideally it should begin at the family institution," he said.
On the commemoration, he said more than 500 people participated in the programme at KBS to provide awareness and strengthen the commitment of all parties in fighting drug abuse.
The programme featured beneficial activities such as an anti-drug slogan competition, a colouring contest, futsal tournament and an exhibition by government agencies. - BERNAMA