By William Isau
SIBU, June 19: A total of 11,470 arrests related to drug offences were made last year in Sarawak with Kuching having the highest numbers of arrests with 2,674 followed by Sibu (1,280) and Miri (1,277).
According to Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Seri Fatimah Abdullah, these numbers show the need to persevere in efforts to battle drug offences as they are not easy to overcome.
“We have set up a One-Stop Committee which is the only one in the country to address drugs and substance abuse. The committee which involves various agencies work collaboratively and holistically to address the drug issue which is still the number one enemy of the country as it will also lead to other social problems. The committee needs to stop the supply of drugs. We must also ensure to tackle the demand even at village level,” she stressed.
Speaking at a Sibu District Drug-Free Action Plan workshop today, the minister called on community leaders including penghulus to be more active in providing vital information related to drug abuse to the police and the committee.
Ensuring continuous awareness on the danger of drugs as well as rehabilitating individuals and providing them with business grants to generate income are also important components in the battle against drugs.
“After they have been rehabilitated, they will be integrated into society. By providing them with grants to buy business facilities, we are helping them to be independent and not resort to doing drugs,” Fatimah said. — DayakDaily
