KUCHING: Sarawak is boosting its efforts to curb drug abuse amid rising concerns over the escalating use of synthetic drugs, with calls to improve rehabilitation, enforcement, and forensic support throughout the state.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said Sarawak currently ranks 11th or 12th in the national drug abuse index.
He said this after chairing the Sarawak State Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) Meeting No. 1/2025.
However, he warned that the situation is evolving in dangerous new directions.
“We are no longer dealing with conventional drugs like heroin or morphine.
“The challenge now is the growing use of synthetic substances, which are easier to produce, smuggle, and conceal,” he said during his press conference held at the Baitulmakmur II building today.
Between January and March 2025, Sarawak recorded 6,151 drug users, of whom 93 per cent were male and 7 per cent female.
Although similar to the same period last year, Abdul Karim stressed that the shift toward synthetic stimulants poses new threats that require urgent attention.
“What’s worrying is how easily these drugs are entering our country.
“Reports show that many synthetic substances are coming in via courier,” he added.
“We must tighten enforcement, including monitoring parcel deliveries and sender information, to prevent legal loopholes in court.”
Abdul Karim said Sarawak plans to build two new drug rehabilitation centres in Miri and Sibu to improve access to recovery services, while also proposing decentralised laboratory facilities to avoid delays and risks associated with transporting urine samples to Kuching.
“People in Miri and Sibu struggle to access services in Kuching.
“We want to ensure every zone in Sarawak has equal access to rehabilitation and support,” he stressed.
“When tests take too long, it weakens our ability to prosecute.
“We need a lab in Miri to serve the Northern Zone, and hopefully another in Sibu later on.
“This will ensure evidence is handled securely and efficiently.”
Furthermore, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and PEMADAM have been actively conducting urine screenings in schools, with many students testing positive for drug use.
“We don’t publicise which schools are involved to avoid damaging reputations.
“But when cases are found, we act quickly, identifying where the students come from, and working closely with the schools and parent-teacher associations (PTAs) to provide counseling,” he shared.
This targeted, community-focused approach is already showing results, particularly in schools across Kuching, where such programmes are more firmly established.
Abdul Karim concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to address drug issues, one that goes beyond enforcement alone.
“This is not just about enforcement,” he said.
“We need education, community partnerships, and sustained investment in infrastructure and services to protect our youth and society from the evolving dangers of drug abuse.”
