Take problems of drug abuse in schools seriously — MCPF

KUALA LUMPUR: All quarters should seriously view drug abuse among school children in the country to resolve the problem, said Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vicechairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said this in response to media reports yesterday on the high number of school students involved in drug abuse.

“I hope the stakeholders, including the Education Ministry, schools, parent-teacher associations (PTAs), as well as students themselves, and agencies such as the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and nongovernmental organisations, play their role to address the problem.

“Schools are where human capital is produced, so there would be an impact when students are involved in drug abuse,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Based on media reports yesterday, a total of 1,709 secondary school students of the 41,741 people who were screened at 178 high-risk areas, tested positive for drug as of last October.

It also reported that high-risk areas in Sarawak, Kedah and Kelantan recorded among the highest percentage of students involved in drug abuse.

Lee said although there had been anti-drug programmes conducted in schools, the matter should be reviewed for possible existing weaknesses that need to be improved to make them more effective.

“We are aware that teachers have other responsibilities that restrict their their focus and time for such (anti-drug) programmes and activities. The PTAs should play a more active role,” he added.

He also urged Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik to take the initiative to make schools drug-free through cooperation with the police and AADK. — Bernama