KUCHING: Other Malaysian states should emulate Sarawak’s lead in dealing with the issue of drugs and prohibited substances, said Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
The Director of Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) of Bukit Aman said that the holistic approach, integrated actions and interventions in the form of enforcement and non-enforcement implemented by various related agencies in the state have shown effectiveness and brought positive impact.
Ayob described the holistic strategy used by various government agencies in Sarawak to address the drug problem as a model that all states in the country should follow.
“This is because the problem of the country’s number one enemy since 1983 cannot be addressed successfully without cooperation; fighting it alone is impossible.”
“With a holistic approach like the one used in Sarawak, I am certain that this drug problem can be effectively addressed. This issue must be addressed since it relates to a variety of criminal and social difficulties,” he emphasised.
He said this after paying a courtesy visit to the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing (KPWKK) Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah at Bangunan Baitulmakmur 2 yesterday.
The fight against drugs does not end with an arrest or a court charge since it is a continual effort that involves community collaboration from the ground up, he went on to say.
He explained that PDRM could arrest and charge people in court, but the fact is that these people need to go through rehabilitation and some follow-up steps so they don’t get caught in drug acts.
Sarawak’s initiatives to address the issue include involving village leaders, establishing Substance Abuse Community Development and Intervention Centres, setting tactical and logistical requirements for enforcement and treatment, and strengthening integrated operations.
While asked about the development issue to allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes in this country, he said it is still in the discussion stage of the Malaysian Cabinet.
“Only the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) will publish a statement on cannabis use because many discussions and meetings at various levels are still required.
“As a result, any action or proposal to authorise cannabis usage will only be granted by the Ministry of Health,” he explained.
Earlier this month, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that the government would take a position on cannabis usage in medical midwifery by the end of the year.
According to Khairy, the usage of cannabis for medical purposes is not new in Malaysia, as Sativex, which contains cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was approved for use in Malaysia in 2014 to treat muscle spasms.
The use of cannabis for medicine is becoming more common around the world, including palliative care, chronic pain management, sleeplessness, and chemotherapy patients.
