NIAH: Batu Niah and Bekenu have been identified as high risk areas for drugs and substance addiction.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Deputy Minister (Women and Childhood Development) Datuk Rosey Yunus noted that since 2020, these two areas were two out of seven high risk areas for drug addiction in Sarawak.
“Hence, the state government through the ministry would focus more on the issue of drugs and substance abuse,” she said when officiating at the One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA) at Batu Niah Health Clinic yesterday.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Rosey explained that the clinic would improve accessibilities, offering opportunities and increase the treatment and rehabilitation process to addicted individuals.
“Prevention programmes in the high risk areas can be implemented, which aim to prevent new drug addicts, maintain the recovery rate of drug addicts and improve the detection of drug addicts.
“The programmes also can help to increase cooperation and involvement of agencies and communities and restrict drug entry into communities,” said the Bekenu assemblywoman.
