By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 2: Sarawak fully supports the Royal Malaysia Police’s firm action against drug syndicates and respects the police’s discretion in determining the appropriate laws to be applied based on the facts, evidence and circumstances of each case, said Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
Fatimah, who chairs the One Stop Committee on Addressing Drug and Substance Issues in Sarawak (OSC MIDS), said Sarawak must remain firm and uncompromising towards those who traffic, smuggle, manufacture or operate drug networks for profit.
“They are not only breaking the law, but also destroying lives, tearing families apart and threatening the future of society,” she said in a statement today.
She was responding to Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah’s statement on the police’s firm stance against organised crime, violent crime and drug-related activities, including the possible use of provisions under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) against those involved in drug trafficking.
Fatimah said OSC MIDS fully supported the authorities’ efforts to dismantle drug trafficking, smuggling and manufacturing syndicates in Sarawak, describing such activities as a serious threat to public safety and security.
She stressed that Sarawak should not become a place for any party to conduct, expand or protect organised criminal activities, particularly those involving drugs.
At the same time, she said the approach towards the drug problem must clearly distinguish between those actively involved in criminal networks and individuals experiencing substance use problems or addiction who require treatment and rehabilitation.
Fatimah said OSC MIDS advocated an integrated and holistic approach in addressing Sarawak’s drug and substance abuse problem, combining firm enforcement with prevention, education, treatment and rehabilitation.
She also called on all relevant agencies to strengthen cooperation, information sharing and operational coordination to ensure action against drug syndicates could be carried out more swiftly, accurately, effectively and in an integrated manner.
According to Fatimah, enforcement efforts must be accompanied by an evidence-based and humane approach that gives individuals struggling with addiction an opportunity to seek help and recover.
“Our principles are clear: be firm against syndicates, fair in enforcement, compassionate towards individuals experiencing addiction, and comprehensive in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation,” she said.
She said the holistic approach was aimed not only at disrupting drug supply and distribution networks, but also at reducing demand, preventing relapse and helping affected individuals, families and communities rebuild their lives.
Fatimah said OSC MIDS would continue supporting the Sarawak government, enforcement and health agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in addressing drug and substance issues through sustained, integrated and evidence-based efforts.
“Our goal is one: to ensure that Sarawak remains safe from the threat of drug syndicates, to protect the younger generation, and to ensure that every affected citizen has the opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives,” she said. — DayakDaily
