KUCHING: Drug demand reduction (DDR) policies and programmes should be specifically designed to encompass all sectors of society to efficiently address the issue of drug abuse.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said there is an increasing number of global drug abuse problems which make the people, especially youths, more vulnerable and likely to engage in drug use and drug-related risk-taking behaviour.
With rapid changes in the social and economic climate, coupled with the increased availability and promoting of drugs and the demand for it, he said Malaysia is not spared from this, with the National Health Morbidity Survey 2022 revealing that 60,000 Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17 are currently using drugs and that 106,000 tried drugs at least once in their lifetime.
He said this in his speech at the opening of the International Recovery Symposium (IRS) 2023 held at a hotel here, today (Sept 18).
His speech was delivered by Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
“Between January and April this year, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) registered 137,176 addicts,” he said.
“The most effective way of tackling drug issues involves comprehensive, balanced and coordinated approaches that address both supply control and demand reduction, which reinforce each other, together with the appropriate application of the principle of shared responsibility and actions.
“This has been our journey when the Sarawak government spearheaded an integrated governance, the One Stop Committee (OSC) to Tackle Drugs and Substance Issues (MIDS) in 2019, comprising members from both enforcement and non-enforcement agencies.
“To enhance her stewardship, the Sarawak government recognised drugs as a security issue in July 2020.”
IRS, he said, served as a testament to the state government’s commitment to address drugs and substance use issues, supporting recovery and fostering a healthier, more resilient society.
He said the symposium marked a pivotal moment for 600 members of the OSCs as the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP GLOBAL) acknowledges the integrated, comprehensive, balanced and coordinated approach in drug demand reduction spearheaded by the government with the DDR Stewardship Award.
“The Sarawak government takes pride to continue our commitment and contribution to DDR in Sarawak and beyond through integrated and robust collaboration between relevant enforcement and non-enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations, community leaders and vulnerable groups of our community.
“This is through providing resources and functional coordinating governance through our state and district level OSCs and the Community DDR Bureaus or the Biro Menangani Isu Dadah dan Substans (MIDS) Kawasan Penghulu,” he added.
Also present were deputy ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Mohamad Razi Sitam; permanent secretary Noriah Ahmad; Prisons Department Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Safety and Correctional) Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak; Foreign Affairs Officer from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, USA, Fan Yang and ISSUP GLOBAL chief executive officer Joanna Travis-Roberts.
