Illegal drug use is on the increase among the civil servants, with police detaining 42 workers who tested positive for drugs so far this year, compared to 88 in 2006.

Citing federal police statistics, the New Straits Times said those arrested included staff from the ministries of education, agriculture, health and home affairs, and police.

Federal Narcotics Department director Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai said police had notified the relevant ministries and agencies of the behaviour of their employees, who can be sacked for taking or possessing illicit drugs.

"This is something to be viewed seriously, as police have a battle on two fronts - against traffickers and within the civil service," Abang Abdul Wahap was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

He said many of the users tested positive for marijuana and amphetamine-type stimulants like Ecstasy or Erimin 5.

A government official told AFP that civil servants undergo medical tests when they begin their jobs, and those suspected of drug use are required to undergo further tests.

Policemen caught using drugs are terminated from service.