Cross-agency Action Needed To Tackle Drug Issue In Kelantan - Pemadam

KOTA BHARU, July 8 (Bernama) -- Strategic and holistic cross-agency actions need to be mobilised immediately to address the drug abuse issue in Kelantan which is currently at an alarming level.

Kelantan chairman of Drug Prevention Association of Malaysia (Pemadam) Zamakhshari Muhamad said the responsibility should not rest on a single entity party, but must involve all government agencies and the local community.

“Kelantan now ranks third highest after Johor and Selangor. This clearly shows that the drug abuse situation in the state requires serious attention and comprehensive action,” he told Bernama today.

Kelantan is back in the spotlight regarding drugs following the arrest of several individuals, including a female beauty product entrepreneur linked to the seizure of pil kuda (meth pills) worth RM6.16 million in the state.

Zamakhshari said Kelantan also recorded the highest rate of drug abuse in Malaysia, at 1,130 cases per 100,000 population, based on previously reported data.

According to him, Kelantan's geographical location, which borders a neighbouring country, contributes to the entry of various drugs, making it difficult to combat distribution and abuse.

"Kelantan police continues to conduct special screening operations in all districts and border areas regularly, while discussions among related agencies are being undertaken to formulate a more effective strategic action plan," he said.

On June 20, Bernama reported that the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) is now facing increasingly complex challenges in efforts to combat drug abuse following the emergence of new psychoactive substances and a significant rise in the use of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) among teenagers and youth.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah was reported saying that this challenge requires a more comprehensive and integrated approach that includes aspects of education, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation and empowerment of local communities.

-- BERNAMA