Work with police to fight drug menace, Muslim community advised

MIRI: The cooperation between police and the local Muslim community is crucial in the fight against social problems that are adversely affecting their youths.

In making this call, Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali also expresses her concern about the drug abuse involving many Muslim youths in the state.

“Although the number of cases (in Sarawak) is still low compared with other states in Malaysia, I am still worried in seeing the continued rise in cases (of drug abuse) involving Muslim youths.

“We need to do something before the future of our youths is ruined,” she said at the division-level Ma’al Hijrah 1439 celebration at Miri Indoor Stadium yesterday, where she was present on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Adding on, Sharifah Hasidah wanted the Muslim community to give total cooperation to police and other enforcement units in programmes and operations aimed at preventing young Muslims from being lured into the drug problem and other social ills.

“The state government is now in the process of pushing Sarawak into becoming a high-income state by 2030. The young people are the most precious assets for the state. We would not be able to achieve our aspiration, if the future of our young people is ruined due to drugs.”

Sibuti MP Datuk Ahmad Lai also shared Sharifah Hasidah’s concern about the drug menace among Muslim youths.

In this regard, he called upon the parents to closely monitor their children’s social activities and also their circle of friends.

“Should you suspect that your children are on drugs, don’t keep silent. You must report this matter to the police and look for assistance and support to help your children.”