KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry revealed that the majority of criminal cases in Malaysia are linked to drug abuse.

Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the finding was based on an analysis of 1.2 million crime data records compiled by the police using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Saifuddin said three main drug-related offences identified in the data comprised Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act for the self-administration of drugs, Section 12(2) for the possession of small amounts of drugs, and Section 39C for repeat drug-related offences.

“When we examined the findings more closely, we discovered that individuals caught under Section 15(1), meaning those who self-administered drugs into their bodies, have the potential to commit up to 31 other types of crime.

“Those under Section 12(2) also show significant risk, with data indicating they are likely to be involved in up to 11 other crimes, including robbery, extortion and more.

“In conclusion, if we want to address crime in Malaysia effectively, we must first deal with the root cause, which is the involvement of offenders in drug-related activities,” he told a press conference after attending the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan)-Minister’s Conversation today.

Saifuddin said that if the drug problem can be effectively contained, it could, in turn, help reduce the overcrowding currently faced by the Prison Department.

Elaborating further, Saifuddin said insights from AI analysis will allow for the development of more robust policies and strategies to combat drug-related crimes, as they will be based on existing data held by the police.

“This year, the ministry is focused on mastering the use of AI, essentially AI for the Home Ministry. As such, we will first enhance our human resources, followed by upskilling our personnel and officers.

“The insights gained will then be used to address domestic issues,” he added.

This article first appeared on NST.