Set up ministerial committee to curb drug problem — MCPF

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) has proposed for the government to set up a high-powered ministerial committee to focus and find new and effective strategies to curb drug issues in the country.

Its senior vice-chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said the committee, which should consist of all the relevant ministries, agencies and nongovernmental organisations must be led by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad or Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

“The time has come for the new government to undertake a drastic review of the existing strategy and methods to deal with the problem which has only shown a slight improvement despite various measures introduced to address it.

“I hope the committee could find more effective ways and approach to deal with the drug problem from all angles especially in the prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and international cooperation,” he said in a statement yesterday.

A report by the National Anti-Drug Agency showed that 25,922 cases of drug abuse were recorded last year, of which 18,440 were new cases and 7,482 involved repeat offenders.

Additionally, Lim said authorities must also pay special attention to curbing the abuse of amphetaminetype stimulant-type drugs, also known as designer or synthetic drugs as such drug manufacturers and syndicates were becoming more innovative and creative in attracting new users. Bernama