DALAT, Sept 13 — Dalat has emerged as one of Sarawak’s hotspots in the fight against substance abuse, with nearly all drug-related arrests this year having tested positive.
State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said of the 31 arrests made here between January and June, 30 cases – or 96.77 per cent – tested positive, which was significantly higher than the state average of 76.46 per cent.
She said the worrying trend underscored the need for stronger interventions, including the establishment of a One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCAR) here, where addicts could voluntarily seek treatment.
“Drug addiction is not just a crime issue, but also a health problem that can be treated.
“Through community-based rehabilitation and medical intervention, we want to help our youths break free from this cycle,” she said when officiating at a community anti-drug programme in Dewan Khalidi of Kampung Sungai Kut Tengah here yesterday.
The Dalat assemblywoman also commended police, particularly the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), for their consistent efforts in cutting off the drug supply chain before it could reach the local youths.
On the rising trend of vaping, she warned that e-cigarettes could easily be laced with harmful substances and thus, she said the state government was considering a ban.
She also urged community leaders, teachers and parents to serve as ‘ambassadors’ for awareness, citing Japan’s education model in instilling discipline and responsibility in the young people from a young age.
“This is not a programme for the sake of having one.
“It is to ensure our children and youths are protected.
“If you are already involved, stop now. If you are not, don’t ever start,” she stressed. — The Borneo Post
