Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail warned that delays in officially gazetting synthetic drug chemicals under the Poisons Act 1952 are severely hampering police investigations into drug offenses in Malaysia. He said if toxic substances found in synthetic drugs are not listed in the poisons registry, it complicates legal proceedings for law enforcement agencies. "When a police investigation traces a case back to synthetic drugs, the matter is referred to the Chemistry Department. If toxic elements are identified but happen to be missing from the poisons registry, it severely complicates any subsequent legal proceedings," Saifuddin explained at a June 13 press conference during the Aspirasi Bebas Dadah Tour at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Puteri Wangsa [1, 2].
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay called for a total ban on vaping products after a new synthetic drug known as "Piu Piu" was discovered mixed in e-cigarette liquids. He described the drug as containing a mixture of Fentanyl and other psychoactive chemicals that can trigger a "severe, zombie-like high" in users, raising concerns about its dangerous effects and potential for abuse [1, 2]. "The drug contains a mixture of Fentanyl and psychoactive chemicals, which can trigger a severe, zombie-like high in users," Ayob Khan said.
The Home Ministry has brought the issue of classifying new toxic synthetic substances to the Cabinet to seek a permanent solution. It is increasing coordination efforts with the Health Ministry and the Chemistry Department to better enforce laws against emerging synthetic drug syndicates [1, 2].
National drug data mapping shows the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang as the hardest hit by synthetic drug use, while the West Coast still largely reports cases involving traditional drugs such as marijuana and heroin. Integrated data from the Health Ministry, rehab centers, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, and police narcotics division confirm a total of 192,000 individuals involved in drug and substance abuse across Malaysia, with a national average rate of 560 users per 100,000 residents, mostly linked to dangerous synthetic drugs [1, 2].
Officials emphasize the urgency of fast-tracking the official scheduling of newly identified synthetic drug chemicals to prevent legal loopholes and strengthen investigations. The government continues efforts to update the Poisons Act registry and enhance inter-agency collaboration to combat the rise of synthetic drug usage and distribution.
