THE state’s One-Stop Committee for addressing Drug and Substance Issues (OSC MIDS) has made significant strides in its fight against drug and substance abuse since its establishment.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah highlighted the key achievements, including the apprehension of major drug traffickers, the identification and support of drug users, and the enhancement of grassroots collaboration.
“For drug traffickers apprehended, a total of 4,470 drug traffickers have been arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Sarawak. The total value of drugs seized amounts to RM255 million.
“Meanwhile, for drug users identified, a total of 52,745 drug users have been identified through the efforts of the One-Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA), the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and PDRM,” she said in her ministerial winding up speech yesterday.
Fatimah also mentioned that the committee has achieved an enhanced collaboration through the partnership between OSC MIDS agencies and grassroots community leaders and has strengthened efforts to address drug and substance abuse at the local level.
“The collaboration and partnership between OSC MIDS agencies and grassroots community leaders in addressing local drug and substance issues have grown stronger,” she said.
On a related note, Fatimah also said on October 8, 2024, the Special Narcotics Forum organised by the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department in collaboration with OSC MIDS was held to strengthen cooperation between enforcement agencies, NGOs, and the community in combating drug and substance abuse in Sarawak.
“Several strategic resolutions were formulated during the forum, including leveraging technology to curb drug smuggling, expanding enforcement teams and establishing narcotics units in every police district and implementing tougher laws with high deterrent effects.
“The forum also formulated resolutions on employing technology and expertise to detect and treat drug addiction, managing drug abuse cases through an integrated information system, simplifying and broadening access to treatment and recovery programmes as well as strengthening communities through awareness and advocacy activities on the dangers of drug and substance abuse,” said Fatimah.
