AS of the third quarter of 2022, a total of 6,665 youths have been reported to be involved in drug abuse, according to Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) statistics.
Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that in 2022, a total of 670 commercial cases involved youths, according to PDRM statistics.
“The Sarawak government is deeply concerned about drug and substance abuse, which is becoming increasingly rampant among youths.
“Therefore, my ministry, agencies and NGOs will continue with concerted efforts to manage and mitigate social issues involving our youths.”
He said this in his ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Today (Nov 30).
On a related note, Abdul Karim said social issues among youths had been an issue of growing concern over the years.
“Among the social issues affecting our youths today are, Criminal Case (Gangsterism, Sexual Misconduct, Defiant Behaviour, etc) Narcotics Case (Drug Abuse) and Commercial Case (Scamming, Cybercrime, Fraud, etc).”
He said unemployment also contributed to such social issues, especially during the pandemic, with a total of 4,037 people in Sarawak losing their jobs.
“Based on Labour Force Survey Report 2021, there are 576,000 unemployed people in Sarawak. During the third quarter of 2022, about 429,000 Sarawakians were unemployed.
“Unemployment among youths poses pressing challenges and mental health issues. Youth unemployment is linked with increased health ailments, deterioration in behaviour and increase in drug abuse and suicidal thoughts.”
Abdul Karim pointed out that the ministry would look into the matter and plan a proper future for youths so that they would not be involved in unhealthy activities.
“As such, more joint initiatives and strategic collaborations are needed among various parties,” he added.
