KOTA SAMARAHAN: All institutions of society including higher education institutions (HEIs), workplaces, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local communities, media and government agencies must come forward to play an active role in preventing and rehabilitating drug addiction in Sarawak.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the drug problem is no longer an issue limited to law enforcement or rehabilitation institutions alone, but requires collective and comprehensive action from all levels of society.
“Institutions of higher learning need to act as centres for disseminating knowledge and awareness about the dangers of drugs.
“They are able to shape the moral and intellectual resilience of the younger generation against negative influences,” she said.
She said this in her speech in conjunction with the celebration of the National Anti-Drug Day 2025, Sarawak Level at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), here yesterday (June 21).
Fatimah said students and campus residents need to be given a conducive space to be involved in healthy activities and community interventions, such as the strategic collaboration between UNIMAS and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) which has been proven to have a positive impact.
At the employment sector level, employers need to practice a zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse while offering recovery pathways to affected employees, in line with the principles of inclusivity and social recovery.
“The workplace is not only a place to earn a living, but also an important platform to form a healthy lifestyle and support mental and emotional well-being,” she added.
Meanwhile, she also underlined the important role of NGOs and grassroots communities including leaders as the frontline in providing direct support to individuals and families who impressed.
“At the same time, community leaders and government agencies must ensure that there are strong policies, clear action plans and adequate infrastructure to support effective drug prevention and rehabilitation,” said Fatimah.
This, she added, is a comprehensive and collaborative approach that will be the key for Sarawak to achieve the aspiration of Controlled Drug status by 2025.
Recent statistics show that in 2024 alone, Sarawak recorded 11,408 drug-related arrests, with 79 per cent involving urine-positive cases.
Between January and April 2025, a further 4,602 arrests were made, 77.68 per cent of which were for the same offence.
Alarmingly, 760 of those arrested during this period were individuals aged 25 and below.
