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By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Aug 10: Most of drug cases uncovered in schools throughout Sarawak involves students aged between 14 and 16-years-old.
According to Malaysia Drugs Prevention Association (Pemadam) Sarawak branch chairman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, most of the cases recorded in schools located in urban areas.
“What I can say is that the drug problem in schools are under control. Sarawak might not be the lowest when it comes to index cases, but in term of the number of positive cases among students, it has decreased.
“In 2019, the total number of student that tested positive for drugs stood at 274. In 2020, the figure declined to 141, and for 2022, the figures continue declining to 116.
“For this year until June, only 12 cases were recorded,” he told a press conference held at Baitulmakmul Building 2 here today.
Asked about what actions have been taken against students who test positive for drugs during urine tests conducted in schools throughout the State, Abdul Karim who is also Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said that they are given intervention and counseling.
He pointed out that for students at that age, their involvement (in drug usage) is due to peer pressure and occasionally family problems.
“Sometimes, when youths are involved in such problems and when we take action against them in court and send to the rehabilitation center, it might worsen the situation.
“Counseling is the better way. I always believe in counseling and addressing this problem using a delicate approach,” he added. — DayakDaily
