KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs a stronger whole-of-society approach to prevent drug abuse among children amid reports of increasing involvement among those as young as 10 to 14, as highlighted by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
Social activist, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said responsibility for addressing the issue must be shared among families, schools, communities, enforcement agencies and the government, rather than placing the burden solely on parents.
He said drug abuse among children was driven by a combination of factors, including family circumstances, peer pressure, exposure to unhealthy environments, curiosity, emotional distress, and the influence of older individuals or groups.
“Therefore, the society approach include stronger parental engagement, school-based prevention programmes, counselling and mental health support, positive peer-led initiatives, community vigilance and tougher enforcement against those who supply drugs to minors,” he said in a statement today.
Elaborating, Lee described the reported increase in drug abuse involving children as deeply alarming and a national wake-up call, noting that the situation raised a fundamental question over how children at such a young age were gaining access to drugs.
Lee said parents have an important role in monitoring their children’s social circles, activities and behavioural or emotional changes, but cautioned against simply blaming them as some families themselves require support.
He said peer influence was another critical factor as children at that age were highly impressionable and could be pressured by friends or older youths to experiment with drugs.
At the same time, he said schools should strengthen early identification and prevention efforts, with teachers and counsellors equipped to recognise warning signs and intervene before experimentation develops into dependency.
Lee said drug education should also equip children with the ability to resist peer pressure, make responsible decisions and seek help when facing emotional or social difficulties instead of merely telling them that drugs were dangerous.
He also called on AADK, together with the police, schools, health authorities and community organisations, to intensify preventive programmes in areas showing rising involvement among children.
Therefore, Lee stressed that early intervention is far more effective than waiting until a child becomes addicted and requires rehabilitation.
“We must act early because prevention at the age of 10 is far more effective than rehabilitation at the age of 20. The future of our children cannot be left to chance. Every child we prevent from entering the path of drug abuse is a life, a family, and a future we have helped to save,” he said. – BERNAMA
