Work together to address drug issues, authorities urged

KUCHING: SUPP Public Complaints Bureau is urging the relevant authorities and agencies to work closely together and intensify their effort in tackling the drug issues before they get out of hand.

The agencies include the police and National Anti- drugs Agency (AADK).

The bureau is also urging the related ministries, at both federal and state levels, including the Ministry of Education, Home Affairs, Health and so on, to conduct in- depth research and studies so as to come up with solutions and effective strategies to curb drug abuse and drug trafficking in Malaysia, which seem to have worsen in recent years.

The bureau’s chief Wilfred Yap, through a press statement yesterday, said the recent tahfiz school fire which claimed the lives of 23 victims has raised worries and fears among Malaysians.

“Six of the seven teenage suspects tested positive for drugs, and were also expelled from school due to various disciplinary issues.

“Family issues, if not addressed effectively, will create a series of chain- effects. It will become a social problem. It’s a vicious cycle,” he said.

While prevention was crucial, Yap said that enforcement was a must.

“We need highly-trained law enforcement officers so that all those arrested can successfully lead to charges pressed and the drug traffickers punished accordingly.”

Yap added that the bureau would offer to help the relevant authorities to engage the people on the ground within its capacity, and also to provide its service and assistance to the people facing similar problems.

“We welcome NGOs or individuals with professional knowledge in the relevant fields, such as children or family education, counseling, and substance abuse intervention, to work with us.

“Our children are the future of this nation, let’s work together and forget about politics in this matter,” he said.