KUCHING: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Sarawak and the Royal Malaysia Police will focus on integrated operations in areas where the drug abuse rate is higher.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said three such areas that had been identified were Kampung Tabuan Melayu, Matang and Bekenu.
“We believe that these areas have active drug traffickers. That is why integrated activities and programmes will be done in these places to spread awareness of the dangers of drugs,” he told a press conference at Dewan Mulu, Baitul Makmur building on Monday.
Karim pointed out that unless AADK and the police are able to find the key persons who are actively selling the drugs, the issue would continue.
“But of course, aside from these identified places, it does not mean that other areas are drug-free and clean from any drug abuse or traffickers,” he said.
Karim revealed that rural areas had also recorded quite a number of drug abuse activities.
“This shows that drugs are being distributed at an alarming rate. Drug abuse is not limited to urban areas but is also spreading to the tribes, ethnics and sub-ethnics living in the rural areas.”
Karim said everyone needs to join hands and deal with the issue together.
“We cannot just let AADK and the police fight this battle of keeping our community clean from drug abuse alone.
“Village committee members should always monitor their areas and keep an eye on their local residents so that no outsiders are selling drugs to the villagers.
“Parents should also monitor and control their children so that they are not involved in these unhealthy activities,” he said.
