ALOR SETAR: Theft by drug addicts has become the leading cause of rising index crime rates in Kedah, says police chief CP Adzli Abu Shah.

He noted that from Jan 1 to Sunday (July 27), Kedah recorded 2,852 index crime cases, with 47 percent involving theft linked to drug addicts.

“Kedah police will maintain the focus outlined by former police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh, which is to eradicate drug-related crime.

“We believe that if drug issues can be tackled and eliminated as much as possible, the overall index crime rate in Kedah can be brought down,” he said.

Adzli was responding to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s recent comments in conjunction with the 2025 National Anti-Drug Day celebration held in Jitra last Friday, urging the Kedah government to step up efforts to remove the state from the top four nationwide for drug addiction rates.

On a separate note, he said Kedah police are stepping up border security measures despite the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia conflict occurring far from the state’s northern border.

“Precautionary steps are being taken by strengthening security at Malaysia’s border checkpoints,” he said, adding that despite growing support from agencies such as the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, constant vigilance remains essential.

“We must not let our guard down. We are committed to ensuring the country’s borders remain secure,” he said.

Earlier, Adzli attended the rank insignia presentation ceremony for the Kedah police chief and deputy police chief, along with the handover ceremony for the deputy chief post, witnessed by Special Branch director CP Datuk Ibrahim Darus at the police contingent headquarters.

Adzli, who was the acting police chief, was officially appointed to the role and promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP).

Meanwhile, Perlis deputy police chief SAC Baderulhisham Baharudin was appointed as the new Kedah deputy police chief and promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). – Bernama