SARAWAK MAY BAN THOSE CONVICTED OF DRUG-RELATED OFFENCES FROM ENTERING STATE
It’s one way to tackle problem in a holistic manner, says state minister
SARAWAK is mulling a ban on those who committed drug-related offences from entering the state.
The proposal to ban nonSarawakians convicted under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985 is one of six recommendations being studied by the state government to reduce drug-related crimes.
State Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family, Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the move was part of the state government’s way to tackle the problem in a holistic manner.
“Drug problems in Sarawak is a matter that concerns not only the state, but is a national issue.
“The solution to address this problem will not only depend on the state government since some implementation agencies are under federal administration.
“We will forward it (to the Federal Government and agencies involved) and hope to get a positive response from the stakeholders,” said Fatimah.
She was speaking after attending a briefing from Singaporebased social media data and analytics company QSearch here yesterday.
Present were Assistant State Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, QSearch founder and chief executive officer Roger Do, and the company’s group business development manager in Malaysia, Joanne Wong.
Fatimah, however, did not provide a deadline on when the proposal could be implemented. In Sarawak, immigration powers are the prerogative of the state government.
She said the authorities were also taking the war on drug traffickers to the Internet and social media.
She said the state government was identifying the best mechanism to allow people to provide information on drug problems among their family members or within their neighbourhood.
“We are looking for the best platform to empower and enable the community to give tip-offs on drug problems anonymously.
“We believe there are many people who are aware and have information on family members or neighbours who are addicts and drug peddlers, but refuse to play their part since they are concerned for their safety.
“The state government hopes that this new mechanism will encourage more people to share information on drug problems in their neighbourhoods,” she said.