KUALA LUMPUR: Ketum addiction is causing many secondary school students to become lethargic and lose focus in class.
According to a study by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (nada), Universiti Utara Malaysia and Universiti Malaya, the consumption of ketum makes students unproductive.
"When students consume ketum, their behaviour changes and they become aggressive.
"When teenagers get hold of something that is intoxicating, they often invite their friends to join in," Harian Metro quoted the study as saying.
Nada emphasises that the use of ketum or the psychoactive substance mitragynine has stimulant, sedative, and euphoric effects that can lead to addiction.
"Ketum use in our country needs to be controlled. The patterns and forms of ketum abuse among youths under 30 are more about peer pressure and seeking pleasure.
"They also tend to mix other substances into the ketum drink to enhance its flavour," it added.
Additionally, the study found that individuals aged 30 and above are more likely to use ketum to relieve stress.
It said the group was no longer influenced by peers, but became a driving force for younger people to follow them.
This group is also less likely to mix other substances into the ketum drink because they are accustomed to the bitter taste of ketum.