SIBU: Based on the Sibu Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department statistics, from January till September this year, there were a total of 774 drug related cases in the state, an increase of 20 percent compared to 675 cases for the same period last year.
Sibu Resident Charles Siaw said the rapid increase was worrying to the state government.
“Therefore, it has taken drastic action to form One Stop Committees to address the drugs and substance issues (OSC MIDS) in 23 districts which are Subis, Tebedu, Asajaya, Lawas, Pusa, Sri Aman, Samarahan, Sarikei, Sibu, Kuching, Betong, Bintulu, Kapit, Saratok, Mukah, Miri, Limbang, Marudi, Daro, Bau, Lundu, Belaga and Serian.”
“The purpose of the OSC MIDS is to implement policies and programmes to address drug and substance issues at the district level; provide input to regional and state governance on drug and substance issues at the district level; carry out integrated intervention actions to address drug and substance issues at the district level; and strengthen governance and network at the regional level for more holistic, systematic and effective solutions to address drug and substance issues at the district level,” he said.
Siaw said this at the One Stop Committee programme to address drugs and substance issues held here yesterday.
He said the OSC MIDS Sibu committee members comprised government agencies, NGOs such as the Association of Churches in Sarawak (Sibu Branch) and community leaders.
“I am thankful that our community leaders have taken this initiative at Kampung Kerto today to collaborate with government agencies in organising such a meaningful programme. This proves that communities also play their role in supporting the government move to get rid of the drug menace,” he said.
He hoped all community leaders and those who attended the programme could disseminate information of drug and substance abuse to the neighbourhoods in their vicinity.
“Everyone of us should say ‘No To Drugs’,” he added.
