KUCHING: Drug abuse in Bau has reached an alarming level, with cases now spreading across the district, including into remote interior villages.
Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, described the growing drug problem as one of the district’s most pressing social concerns, warning that it is affecting not only urban communities but also rural settlements that were once largely untouched by such activities.
Henry, who is also chairman of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Bau, said the authorities have been stepping up efforts to curb the menace through close cooperation with the police.
He said the police had been working hard to stem the problem through continuous monitoring, raids and arrests, but acknowledged that the battle remained challenging as drug traffickers and pushers appeared to be adapting faster to enforcement measures.
“I have been working very closely with the police to eradicate drug abuse in Bau. The police have tried their best and made arrests, but the pushers seem to be smarter and keep finding ways to continue their activities,” he said.
He said this after attending the Mass Prayer Service at St Henry Church, Apar Singgai, near here in conjunction with Police Day on Friday.
According to Henry, the spread of drug abuse into the interior is particularly worrying as it shows how deeply the problem has penetrated local communities.
He said every week, almost every day there are arrests made.
“We leave it to the hands of the police. So the police, especially the narcotic division, had been doing very well, very active. Many arrests had been made and those who were arrested include very matured people.
“So drug abuse in Bau is not only confined to youths but to individuals of all age group. We in AADK are trying, and the police are trying. If we can reduce it, that is very good already,” he added.
The Tasik Biru assemblyman said the issue must be addressed not only through law enforcement but also through stronger public awareness, early intervention and community support.
“Drug abuse is no longer an isolated issue. It has spread all over the district and this should be a serious concern to all of us,” he stressed.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies by channelling information on suspicious activities, saying this is not only the responsibility of the police or AADK; the whole community must stand together if they want to protect their families and future generations.
