Illicit drugs as a security threat: An analysis of state-run programmes to curb drug addict recruitment in Malaysia

Contemporary world security demands not only state but also individual non-state actors playing effective roles. It underlies the fact that securing community safety becomes a real challenge when non-state actors transgress the bounds of shared social norms and rules including those pertaining to the conduct of civil society. The issue of drug trafficking and drug abuse in Malaysia is a national problem. The government of Malaysia, through the National Anti-drug Agency and a few others has made various efforts to overcome this problem. The question is whether the results are something that the Malaysian society can be proud of. This study analysed the vulnerability of Malaysia’s communities and individuals due to the threats caused by drug abuse. Based on human security concept the study utilised data gathered from documents, observations, focus group discussions, and structured interviews involving selected institutional and community member participants in local and non-local drug abuse management undertakings. The results of the study revealed that while the reality of the drug security threats was solidly affirmed both at individual and community levels in Malaysia, the majority of the current state-run treatment and rehabilitation programmes to curb the recruitment of drug addicts were sadly still ineffective.