KAJANG, Jan 14 — The proposed implementation of urine screening at concerts is impractical and difficult to carry out, said National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.
He said such tests cannot be done carelessly, and that they take time to complete.
“We can conduct random tests, but concerts are hardly held in a hall, but instead in big stadiums.
“And for us to test everyone present is not practical,” he said at the AADK monthly assembly at the agency’s headquarters here today.
Ruslin said the agency is more focused on increasing its presence and enforcement efforts, as well as promoting anti-drug campaign messages at concerts.
“Perhaps, on the tickets themselves, we can include an anti-drug logo and also run an anti-drug (message) before the concert begins.
“I will meet with the event (concert) organisers) to find the best solution... We do not want this (entertainment) industry to be associated with drugs, though only a small number of people use them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ruslin said the number of drug abuse cases up to September last year showed a 31.6 per cent increase from the same period in 2023, with 169,691 offenders detected.
He said people aged between 19 and 39 were the group most involved in drug abuse, with 98,9777 people or 53.8 per cent of the total detected.
“The most commonly abused drug, accounting for 70 per cent, is amphetamine-type stimulants (synthetic drugs) such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, and syabu, followed by opiate-type drugs," he added.
Ruslin also said the trend was evidence that substance abuse continues to be a serious issue that needs effective management.
“The increase in synthetic drug abuse cases also requires a more aggressive and innovative approach from our side,” he said.
He added that the AADK is drafting an Anti-Drug Communication Plan to widely disseminate accurate anti-drug messages to help those involved in substance addiction and abuse.
— Bernama
