AADK: Kuching, Sri Aman among top high-risk drug abuse areas in Malaysia
KUCHING: Kuching and Sri Aman have been identified as among the top high- risk areas in the state as far as drug abuse is concerned.
According to National Anti- Drugs Agency (AADK) deputy director-general (operations) Dato’ Izhar Abu Talip, the two were among 178 high-risk areas for drug abuse in the country.
In this regard, the government had launched a series of anti- drugs campaigns nationwide with the ultimate aim of achieving drug- free status in Malaysia.
“The future of this country lies in the hands of the young individuals, so we cannot afford to see them indulge in drug abuse. Hence, we all shall take ownership in tackling drug abuse and addiction issues within our own communities. There is no way that AADK can reach out to all villages – not to mention the fact that Sarawak is such a big state.
“We shall, however, train more people and raise awareness of the issue among locals and community leaders,” he said during an appreciation dinner for ‘Strategic Friends’ of Narcotics Addition Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) Kuching at a hotel here on Thursday, officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan as guest- ofhonour.
Izhar said the agency would keep up its initiatives in combating drug abuse via anti- drug campaigns extended to cover more divisions namely Samarahan, Sibu, Limbang and Bintulu. He admitted that there had been challenges in helping drug addicts achieve successful rehabilitation, preventing them from going into relapse.
In this respect, Izhar hoped more individuals and organisations would work closely with AADK and Puspen to see more drug addicts succeed in their rehabilitation.
He said all quarters play a pivotal role in helping rehabilitated individuals cultivate skills that would enable them to live independent, drug- free lives. Izhar thanked Puspen Kuching for its efforts in reaching out to drug addicts.