The Effects and Causes of Drug Abuse to Malaysia's Economy.

            A drug addict might say, “I am not hurting anybody, I am only hurting myself”. Obviously, this statement is not true due to the problems regarding drug abuse are found everywhere, from rich and privileged to the lost members of society. For over a decade, the government has had its own “war against drugs” but, within that time frame, we have seen an alarming increase in the use of dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, crack, and methamphetamine. Beyond increasing personal health issues, devastating effects on families, and the community crime statistics, drug abuse has a major impact on the Malaysia’s economy.

            Firstly, drug abuse will increase joblessness that has already hits our country even in this global and developed era. These drug addicts will have to go to the rehab center instead of being qualified to be employed. Some of them have already been to the rehabilitation center for more than a couple of times. More depressing, this will not only increase the expenses of our country but, this will also diminish the number of the government’s staff and hence, will reduce the productivity of the country.

            Apart from that, theft cases have been increasing due to the joblessness. Worst, they are willing to kill as a short cut in order to seek for money to buy their drug supplies. Therefore, with the increase of the number of crime cases, investors from other countries will lose their interest to invest in our country.

            Nevertheless, drug abuse will cause a major problem for Malaysia’s tourism sector. This is because, people from other countries will not be eager to visit our country because of the massive amount of drug addicts. In facts, they will look down to Malaysians. Lack of discipline amongst Malaysians will be their point of view.

            In a nutshell, drug abuse must be barricaded to ensure that the economy of our country increases and developed. I hold the view that the government must consider this matter seriously and of course, strict actions must be given to these drug addicts who do not protect our country’s reputation. Punishments will strongly teach someone a good lesson.

NURUL AFIQAH BT ZULKIFLY.