Rising trend of meth, ketum abuse among drivers

SEREMBAN: Methamphetamine and ketum abuse has become an emerging trend over the past five years among drivers, including commercial vehicle operators, posing a greater risk to road safety.

National anti-drugs agency (AADK) director-general Ruslin Jusoh said the trend stemmed from the perception that these substances could help users maintain energy levels while working, particularly for extended periods.

He said this was evident from an integrated anti-drug operation involving commercial vehicle drivers conducted nationwide yesterday, in which 22 drivers aged 21 to 61 were arrested after testing positive for meth, ketum, and cannabis.

“Most drivers take these substances to stay energised. Meth, for instance, is a stimulant that enables them to work longer hours, while ketum has emerged as a new trend among drivers seeking to maintain their stamina during long periods of driving.

“However, when the effects of the drugs wear off, users may collapse or become unconscious, and when high, they may be unable to control their actions, which could lead to accidents,” he told reporters after the operation last night. Also present was road transport department (JPJ) director-general Aedy Fadly Ramly.

The 10-hour operation, conducted by JPJ in collaboration with several agencies, including AADK, the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), police, and tourism, arts and culture ministry, began at 8am.

Ruslin said the trend of drug abuse involved young and middle-aged drivers, with the highest addiction rate recorded among those aged 19 to 39, accounting for about 70% of those detained.

Aedy said JPJ would take firm action against drivers who test positive for drugs, including withholding their vocational licences and suspending driving licences.

Transport companies will also be held accountable to ensure that their drivers comply with the law, he added.

“We will submit this report to Apad for further action. Failure to comply with licensing conditions or employing drivers involved in drug abuse may result in punitive action, including the suspension of the company’s operating licence,” he said.