Kota Kinabalu: Some 9,207 drug and substance abusers and addicts were detected throughout Sabah last year. Unofficial figures may be more.
Sabah National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Director Elmariah Chung said 65.8 percent of those involved were aged 15 to 39.
“It is a source of concern to all of us when the young especially youths lead the number of those involved, as they are the heirs to the future of this country.
“The challenges in dealing with drug abuse and addiction are becoming increasingly complex.
“Among these are the existence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and abuse of Ketum, vape and so on.
“Therefore, Anti-Drug Volunteers through the Anti-Drug Squad, Anti-Drug Icon and District Drug Rehabilitation Committee (JKPD) were created to act as the eyes and ears of the government, especially AADK and prevention agents (Squad and Icon) and recovery agents, namely the JKPD,” she said.
The role of these volunteers is very important to ensure prevention and recovery efforts can be strengthened through the use of ideas and joint commitments.
“All parties must work together. AADK cannot shoulder this responsibility without the involvement of all,” she said.
She was officiating the Anti-Drug Squad Training Of Trainers (TOT) Workshop and the Friendly Reception of the Sabah State AADK Director with Strategic Partners for 2025.
Elmariah said organising the Anti-Drug Squad TOT this time is one of the efforts to provide knowledge and skills to the Anti-Drug Squad leadership in carrying out their roles as Anti-Drug Volunteers.
The two-day workshop involved Sabah District and State AADK staff, Chairmen of the Anti-Drug Squad and JKPD as well as Anti-Drug Icons in Sabah.
The aim was to plan a programme together with JKPD and Anti-Drug Icons in an effort to address the problem of drug abuse in Sabah, especially in High Risk Areas (HRAs).
