Find solution to ketum problem
THE authorities must find concrete solutions to the problem of ketum abuse after the alarming revelation by the Kedah National Anti-Drug Agency that leaves of the plant are now being consumed as snacks. Apparently, ketum leaves are dipped in flour and fried into a crunchy snack.
As yet, we are unsure how widespread this current practice is throughout the country but the Education Ministry has recently raised concern over its popularity among pupils in schools in the northern states.
Ketum, scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical deciduous and evergreen tree in the coffee family native to SouthEast Asia and has been used as traditional medicine particularly by workers doing heavy or monotonous jobs to prevent exhaustion and boredom. It was also traditionally used as a mood enhancer and painkiller.
In recent years, there have been many reported cases of ketum being used as a recreational drug especially by youngsters.
Ketum contains mitragynine, an indole alkaloid that is as addictive as morphine. Studies have shown that excessive drinking of ketum water – made by boiling the ketum leaves – could adversely affect the nervous system, making the consumer addicted to the drink.
Side effects associated with chronic use of ketum include loss of appetite and weight, irritability, runny nose, difficulty sleeping, delayed ejaculation, constipation, darkening in the colour of the face, and bowel obstruction.
Currently, cases involving the abuse of ketum leaves are considered as offences under the Poisons Act 1952. Section 30 (3) of the Act allows for a maximum fine of RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to four years for those found guilty of the offence.
Due to concern over the continuous abuse of ketum especially by youngsters, the relevant authorities should look at the suggestions by several individuals, and NGOs as well, to put the abuse of ketum, including drinking ketum water, under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Malaysia’s toughest law on drug abuse. A bill to this effect was actually submitted last year but the Health Ministry withdrew it following objections based on the grounds that it would victimise those who have been using it as traditional medicine.
As such, further research need to be done as soon as possible to find a lasting solution to the issue, and any change to the law must be targeted at the abuse of ketum while accepting its use as traditional medicine.