KANGAR: The move to reclassify the abuse of ketum (Mitragyna speciosa) leaves under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 was praised by many, including the state Narcotic Criminal Investigation Department.
Its acting chief, Assistant Superintendent Meor Azmi Meor Shamsudin, described the recent announcement by the Home Ministry as timely.
He stressed the need for the move to be expedited following the rise in ketum-related offences in the state in the last few years.
Meor said 189 cases with 209 arrests were recorded up to October, compared with 154 cases and 138 arrests throughout last year.
He said he was worried because ketum abuse involved not only adults, but also the elderly and teenagers as young as 13.
“Ketum is seen by many, especially teenagers, as an alternative to drugs as it is cheaper and easier to be obtained,” he said.
“The penalty for ketum abuse offences is not as heavy as those for drug abuse offences as ketum is currently classified under the Poisons Act, 1952 which carries a fine not exceeding RM10,000 and a jail term of up to four years penalty.
“ If the offences are gazetted under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the punishment will be a greater deterrent and this will strengthen efforts to weed out ketum abuse and ketum growing nationwide.”
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had announced that enforcement on h abuse of ketum leaves would be carried out soon by police and National Anti-Drug Agency nationwide.
He said the planting of ketum trees, processing of ketum leaves and distribution of ketum are offences and the authorities would go all out to eradicate the abuse.
Checks showed that ketum growing is considered a common practice by some locals and crops can be found in many parts of the state because of the ideal climate and soil conditions.
In a village in Tambun Tulang, for instance, the majority of the residents are found to be growing ketum in their backyards.
A 60-year-old villager, who spoke to Streets on condition of anonymity, said the practice began decades ago when ketum leaves were used as medicine and a source of energy for the elderly.
However, he said the situation had changed, and nowadays many youngsters, including the high school students, are abusing ketum leaves and juice, which leads to social problems.
He said some schoolchildren were spotted drinking the juice in a group near their houses during school hours.
“Besides my house, there are only several other houses in the village without ketum trees. Most of the plants were grown by the elderly a long time ago for health purposes but, sadly, that is no longer the case.
“Now, many are openly abusing and selling ketum juice to people from other villages.
“This has to be stopped before the ketum abuse and addiction destroys our younger generation.”
It is learnt that ketum juice is being sold at RM3 per litre in rural areas, while the leaves are sold between at RM12 and RM18 per kg.
The price of the leaves can reached up to RM100 per kg in a neighbouring country. By Ili Shazwani