Never give up trying to discover solutions to drug issues

SIBU: The authorities have been formulating and implementing various efforts, methods, and initiatives to combat the issue of drugs in the country, stressed Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
 
However, the federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture said that looking at the current statistics and achievements, the efforts have yet to achieve their target.
 
Therefore, the Bintulu Member of Parliament urged all parties to never give up in the fight against drug abuse and its distribution.
 
“The drug problem is not something new. As we know, it has infiltrated our society for several years now. Also, this problem is not limited to our country alone; it’s a global issue.
 
“Therefore, we cannot easily give up on finding approaches to address drug addiction and distribution in this country, whether it’s in prevention, treatment, recovery, or law enforcement,” he said.
 
He said this in his speech, which was read by his special officer, Steven Kong, at the launching of the Anti-Drug Campaign at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Cina (C) Thai Kwang here today (Aug 27).
 
Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, also stressed that the community plays a role in assisting drug addiction victims.
 
He said that the community should change its negative perception of former drug addicts and acknowledge the fact that they are also ordinary individuals who require treatment and support to recover.
 
“We are not entitled to marginalise this group, let alone mock them, because if we don’t extend help, they will drift even further.
 
“Our willingness to welcome them back into society is a significant factor that will determine whether they will completely change to distance themselves from that filth or become repeat offenders,” he said.
 
Tiong also urged relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to further enhance the quality of drug prevention programmes.
 
“This is because the importance of any campaign lies in its impact, and its impact depends on the performance of the programme,” he said.
 
At the event, Tiong also allocated RM10,000 to Victory Home.