By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 1: Minister Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Rahman Karim Hamzah, reveals that from Jan to Oct 2023, the authority has seized various drugs worth RM137,492,969.21 and arrested 9,198 people in Sarawak.
He said the arrests comprised 474 people who were involved in supplying drugs, 1,853 for drug possession, and 6,871 who tested positive for drugs.
Abdul Karim revealed this during a press conference on behalf of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg after chairing the “Majlis Tindakan Membanteras Dadah (MTMD) Negeri Sarawak” meeting held at his ministry’s office here today.
He added the value of assets seized by the authority from drug offenders who were found guilty totalled RM,5,076,300
Abdul Karim also revealed that High-Risk Areas (HCAs) for Sarawak in 2023 are Kampung Haji Baki in Kuching Division and Kampung Baru in Samarahan Division.
He explained that there are continuing efforts carried out via collaboration with various agencies with continuous strategic programmes such as prevention, enforcement and treatment, and rehabilitation in these two large areas.
“The continuous five strategic programmes are for the prevention of new addicts, maintaining the recovery rate, increasing the detection of drug addicts, increasing agency/community collaboration and restricting the entry of drugs,” he disclosed.
Abdul Karim said the meeting, among others, was held to discuss a proposal by Sarawak State Education Department to bring drug awareness to youth through “Kem Hero Anak Sarawak” programmes.
Nasional Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) deputy director Khairul Anuar Bachok, its Sarawak director Abdul Hemediee Ibrahim, and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) director Samuel Simon were also present. — DayakDaily
