By NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY and SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA
KUCHING: Sarawak recorded 11,470 arrests related to drug and substance abuse in 7,841 operations throughout last year.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said of the number, 564 arrests had to do with supplying and distributing drugs and substances; 2,066 arrests were for possessing drugs and substances; and 8,840 arrests involved those who tested positive for drugs.
She said this during a press conference on the One-Stop Committee to address drugs and substance abuse issues (OSC MIDS) Sarawak.
at Wisma Bapa here Tuesday.
Kuching District recorded the highest number with 2,675 arrests followed by Sibu District (1,280); Miri District (1,277); Bintulu District (939); and Samarahan (605).
“As of Dec 31 last year, a total of 5,596 people were undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Of the number, 214 are receiving treatment and undergoing rehabilitation at the Cure and Care Rehabilitation Centre managed by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sarawak.
She said there was an increase in the number of people addicted to substances seeking help, crediting to the collective efforts of the OSC MIDS Sarawak.
In light of this, Fatimah assured that the state government will continue its support to further increase access to treatment and rehabilitation
“I call on everyone to continue to join hands and work together to combat drug and substance abuse activities in Sarawak. It is better to prevent.
“I advise those who are stuck with drug and substance abuse in Sarawak to seek treatment and rehabilitation in the community,” she said.
