MIRI – There is an intricate link between drug trafficking, human trafficking, the sex trade, and drug abuse in Sarawak, all contributing to the state’s black economy.
State Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang said these illicit activities make up the state’s crime-related businesses.
“These crimes are linked as they are seen as lucrative businesses by crime syndicates operating in the state. Drug trafficking resulting in drug abuse, human trafficking resulting in prostitution...all these are considered lucrative by the syndicates.
“The government and enforcement agencies need the help of society to tackle these problems at the grassroots level.
“For example, the drug trade has its roots at the drug abuse levels. Society can play a big role in tackling the menace at the drug abuse stage by helping drug addicts and putting a stop to addiction.
“The government and enforcement agencies need the help of non-governmental bodies, religious organisations, community and education bodies to help at the grassroots stage,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of the “Drugs Kill Dreams” public awareness campaign in Sibu town today, Tiang said the government appreciates the help of the many NGOs contributing their services to the community.
“These NGOs have big useful roles in working for the well-being of our society,” he stressed.
The public awareness campaign is jointly organised by the Sibu District Office One-Stop Committee Against Drugs and Substance Abuse, Caritas Sibu, Malaysian Relief Agency Sibu, Methodist Pilley Institute and Sibu Victory Home.
Tiang expressed gratitude to these groups for their effort in instilling awareness against the dangers of drug and substance abuses.
He hoped they could reach out to a wide section of the society, especially the young.
Last week, it was disclosed that there has been a sharp surge in cases of drug addiction throughout Sarawak.
This social ill has become very serious, especially in recent months, State Community Welfare, Women and Children Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said.
Speaking to the press after a meeting with various agencies at her ministry in Kuching on February 24, she said her ministry had received worrying statistics from the enforcement agencies regarding drug woes.
“The number of people found with drug addiction is worrying. The increase in such cases has become very serious since last year.
“The trend has surged even further so far this year,” she had said.
Fatimah said there were 8,514 cases of arrest relating to drug abuse, addiction and other crime last year and January this year.
Last year alone saw 7,516 cases, which means that for January this year alone, there were almost a thousand arrests.
“The statistics compiled from the various enforcement agencies showed a general increase of 31.31% in drug offences over the past year compared with the year before.
“Everyone in society must take note of this worrying trend. The ministry needs the help of all sectors in the community to tackle these drug issues. Stopping drug abuse needs to be stepped up considerably across the board,” she said.
Fatimah said her ministry and all relevant agencies are trying their best to help drug addicts.
She said intensive treatment and rehabilitation are needed for those who had been arrested for drug abuse.
Last year, some 1,984 people of various ages had been taken to drug treatment and rehabilitation centres in the state, she said.
In January this year, some 2,034 addicts underwent treatment and rehabilitation, a sign of how serious the problem is, she added.
She said her ministry is working closely with police, the Drug Prevention Association of Malaysia, the Welfare Department, as well as community organisations to deal with this problem. – The Vibes, March 2, 2022
