KUCHING: The Sarawak State Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) has unanimously agreed to a proposal to establish a State Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) in Sarawak.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also MTMD chairman, said the State Government needed to address the issue from its own perspective, including managing the rehabilitation centre.
“Although we know that agencies overseeing drug-related matters are under the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and the Federal Government, the State Government cannot simply set aside this issue.
“Social problems arising from drug abuse occur in every country, and we cannot regard this solely as a Federal Government issue. This problem cannot simply be pushed aside.
“Therefore, the meeting took note of the current drug situation in Sarawak, as well as challenges related to treatment, rehabilitation, legislation and analysis of the issue,” he said.
He addressed this during a press conference after chairing the First 2026 Sarawak State MTMD Meeting at Committee Room 1, Level 3, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex here today (Aug26).
Karim added that the proposal to establish the centre had yet to be brought to the higher level but it would be discussed before being presented to the State Cabinet at a later date.
He said the meeting also agreed that the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sarawak and the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) prepare a consideration paper on establishing a State Government-run rehabilitation centre, which may require approval from the State Cabinet.
“KPWK will present this matter to the State Cabinet because drug-related issues have been gazetted under the ministry. If approved by the State Cabinet, the centre can be developed,” he concluded.
