KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Substance Abuse Council (Masac) has addressed concerns regarding the potential entry of a new drug, Fentanyl, into Malaysia.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, its secretary-general Raja Azizan Suhaimi said that although the recent discovery of Fentanyl at the Thailand-Kelantan border was alarming, there had been no identified cases of Fentanyl addiction in the country so far.
"After reading about the latest news on the Fentanyl seizure, I contacted some of the affiliated members to check whether they have received any patients with that specific substance addiction and Alhamdullilah, all said no," he said referring to about 50 affiliates providing drug rehabilitation, therapy, and recovery programmes for drug abusers.
He emphasised Masac's greatest concern when it comes to tackling drug problems was on tackling the emergence of new psychoactive substances, particularly those synthesised from synthetic components.
"I can safely say that the Zombie drugs have not reached our shores but it won't be long before this dangerous drug becomes a new addiction.
He expressed concern about the potential arrival of "Zombie drugs," emphasising their harmful effects on the body and brain.
"While these drugs may produce similar effects to known substances like methamphetamine and heroin, they pose significantly greater risks to human health," he said.
Fentanyl, also known as the "zombie drug," has been a concern in some European countries due to its ability to induce profound drowsiness and lethargy, affecting brain regions regulating emotions, pain, and speech.
Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia (Pengasih), spokesman Firdaus Ahmad when contacted also confirmed that they had never encountered any cases of fentanyl addiction so far.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Clinical Pharmacy department principal lecturer Dr Norkasihan Ibrahim, shared that fentanyl was a potent opioid medication used for pain relief in cancer treatment and postoperative recovery.
"Fentanyl has nearly twice the addictive potential of morphine and heroin. Illicit fentanyl use can lead to respiratory failure, euphoria, and severe drowsiness. These effects may be fatal, disrupting heart and lung function and causing significant mental instability, potentially leading to suicidal thoughts," she added.
The zombie-like behaviour indicates its potentially fatal adverse effects. Due to its severe side effects and the fatal risks of overdose, fentanyl is mainly used medically for intense pain management.
Dr Norkasihan also highlighted the dangers of obtaining Fentanyl from the black market, where it is often mixed with other harmful substances, increasing the risk of lethal overdoses.
