MORE STUDENTS IN KELANTAN TAKING KETUM
1,026 have confessed to taking illicit drink
KETUM juice is becoming a serious threat to students in Kelantan as it cannot be detected by urine tests. State National Anti-drugs Agency director Rahayu Ahmad said 1,026 students confessed to taking Ketum juice up to last month, compared with 790 students last year.
“Based on our questionnaire, most consumed the drink because it is only RM10 per packet and one packet can be shared by four people, compared with methamphetamine pills.
“The main reason they con- sume the drink is because it cannot be detected by urine tests.
“They are confident of not doing anything wrong and no one can nab them as the urine test will turn out negative,” she said after an antidrug seminar for headmasters here yesterday.
The seminar was attended by 77 headmasters from several districts, including Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Tumpat and here.
She said prolonged consumption of the illicit drink could damage the liver and kidneys.
“This is because those who consume it, would need to take a high quantity to become high.
“We urge parents of those consuming the drink to inform us so that their children can get treatment at the Pengkalan Chepa Cure and Care Clinic.”