Drugs: Sabah must step up efforts. State records 7.5pc rise in addicts and substance users, says Hajiji

Published on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Published on: Tue, Apr 22, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji with members of the MTMD after the meeting. Kota Kinabalu: Concerted efforts must be taken to reduce the number of Sabah's drug addicts and substance users by curbing the demand and supply of illicit drugs, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said Sabah recorded an increase of 7.5 per cent in drug addicts and substance users, with 9,207 detected last year compared to 8,567 in 2023, but this figure only constituted 4.8 per cent of the national statistics. 'Sabah has recorded a rate of 246 addicts, in line with the national target of not more than 400 drug addicts and abusers for every 100,000 population. 'These figures showed an increase throughout the nation and almost all the states. The increasing trend is worrying and has posed a challenge for all of us. We must step up efforts to address this problem, especially in curbing the supply and demand of drugs in the State,' he said. Chairing the State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) at Menara Kinabalu, Monday, Hajiji said for this year, priority would be given to neutralising two high-risk areas, namely Penampang and Balung, Tawau. 'To ensure we can succeed in making Penampang and Balung a green area, the Penampang Municipal Council and Tawau Municipal Council Presidents as district MTMD chairmen have been appointed coordinators of the high-risk areas at their respective districts,' he added. He said efforts would also be taken to maintain the 'green' status of seven high-risk areas, namely Likas, Inanam, Luagan, Patikang dan Tuarid Taud, Tanjung Batu and Merotai. During the meeting, two papers were tabled, the 'Kampung Sejahtera Tanggungjawab Bersama' pilot programme by the Sabah National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). 'I call upon all members in the meeting to take heed and to provide feedback on their efforts to eradicate drug problems in Sabah in order to achieve the Drug Under Control 2025 goal,' he said. He said the drug is still the country's Number 1 enemy, therefore all members of the council must work together to eliminate the threat for the sake of the nation's future generation. Also present were Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Jauteh Dikun and new Sabah AADK Director Elmariah Chung. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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