Profiles and Experiences of Drug Use and Criminal Involvement among Malay Offenders in Malaysia

The problem of drug use and crime worries many people as it threatens the well-being, harmony and security of the country and society. Over the years, this problem has been often associated with Malays compared to other ethnics. This study aims to identify the profiles and experiences of drug use and crime among Malay offenders. The study was conducted using a quantitative cross-sectional survey. A total of 301 Malay offenders who were charged for drug-related offences and serving their sentences in the Malaysian Prison Department were selected to participate in the study. The study has found that the majority of offenders involved in drug use and crime offences are young people aged 21-39 years old, unmarried, attained at least lower and/or upper secondary education SRP/SPM, employed prior to custody, and had income below than RM3,850 per month (B40). Based on their experiences of drug use, most offenders reported that they obtain drugs from the dealers and the average age of first drug use is between 30 to 35 years old. Methamphetamine is a popular drug used by majority of Malay offenders, and it is due to incredible enjoyment and peer pressure. The study also reported offenders spent between RM50 and RM100 to buy drugs in a day. Based on the experiences of crime, most of offenders reported to commit crimes at least twice a week and preferred to commit crime alone than in groups. The type of crime offences reported by most of Malay offenders are drug dealing, theft and burglary instead of drug use. Findings of this study have implications for the implementation of effective intervention and management offenders in terms of providing counseling services, skills, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation among offenders.