BINTULU: A community engagement approach involving multiple agencies must be strengthened immediately to address the increasingly worrying issue of drug abuse in the district.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said efforts to combat drug abuse could not be carried out in isolation but instead required integrated cooperation between enforcement agencies, health authorities and local communities to ensure effective information delivery and prevention.
He said the National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) played an important role in raising early awareness among the public, particularly school students, on the dangers of drugs and smoking.
“However, briefings by AADK alone may not be sufficient. The involvement of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) is crucial to provide more detailed explanations on the physical and mental health effects of drug abuse,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the handover ceremony of the MADANI Adopted Village Project (KAM) for Kampung Nour Iman, Kuala Tatau, held in conjunction with the MOTAC Bersama Komuniti @ Bintulu programme today.
Meanwhile, the Bintulu Member of Parliament described the drug abuse issue in the area as serious and requiring immediate action as well as a comprehensive approach.
In this regard, he stressed that firm action would be taken against any individuals involved in drug abuse, including prosecution by the Royal Malaysia Police.
“I urge those involved in drug abuse activities to stop immediately and not wait until they are arrested,” he said.
