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MIRI – Drug addiction has seen a sharp rise in Sarawak, said the state’s Community Welfare, Women and Children Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Speaking to the press after meeting various agencies at her ministry in Kuching today, she said the ministry has received worrying statistics from the enforcement agencies regarding drug addiction or drug-related crimes.
“The number of people in the state arrested for drug addiction and related offences is worrying.
“The increase in such cases has become very serious since early last year. The trend has surged even further so far this year,” she said.
Last year, the authorities recorded 7,516 arrests relating to drug abuse, addiction and crimes.
This year, January alone saw 998 drug-related arrests – leading to a total of 8,514 cases since last year.
“Statistics compiled from various enforcement agencies showed there has been a general increase of 31.31% in drug offences over the past year compared to the year before.
“Everyone in society must take note of this worrying trend. The ministry needs the help of all sectors in the community to tackle these drug issues.
“The issue of stopping drug abuse must be stepped up considerably across the board,” she said.
Fatimah said her ministry and all relevant agencies are trying their best to help those addicted to drugs, with intensive treatment and rehabilitation being granted to those arrested for drug-related offences.
Last year, 1,984 people of various ages were taken to drug treatment and rehabilitation centres in the state.
In January this year alone, some 2,034 addicts underwent treatment and rehabilitation – a sign of how serious the problem is.
She said her ministry is working closely with police, the anti-drug agency, the Welfare Department, as well as community organisations to deal with the drug problem. – The Vibes, February 24, 2022