Officials in Northern Malaysia Want to Legalize Kratom

Officials in Kedah, a state located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia that borders Thailand, want to legalize kratom for export.

Kratom, known locally as “Ketum,” is currently illegal in Malaysia under the Poisons Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1952. Possession, sale, and consumption of kratom can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.

The Malaysian government has recently shown some openness to discussions about kratom. For instance, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof spoke at the Fourth International Integrative Medicine Conference in 2023, highlighting the potential economic benefits of a regulated kratom market.

However, concerns about addiction and public safety remain significant barriers. For example, in June, Malaysia's National Anti-Drug Agency claimed kratom is affecting students, citing research from Malaysian universities.

Kedah remains optimistic about the federal government approving its proposal to legalize the export of kratom leaves. This initiative, championed by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, aims to tap into the international market for products derived from kratom.

Legalizing kratiom export could generate significant revenue for Kedah, benefiting local farmers and reducing reliance on traditional crops like rice and rubber. There is high demand from countries like Germany and the United States, who currently import most of their kratom from Indonesia.

In 2021, neighboring Thaialand legalized kratom, and has been making moves to develop a regulated kratom export market.

The Malaysian proposal has been raised in meetings with federal officials, including the Plantation and Commodities Minister. The state emphasizes the need for proper regulation to prevent misuse and ensure that kratom is used safely and effectively.