KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to strengthen and improve the security checks at its airports and entry points around the state’s border to curb drug trafficking and smuggling activities.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said though the drug abuse situation in Sarawak was not at a worrying stage, it was necessary to ensure effective approaches to tackle the issue.
Drugs, he said, caused hallucinations as well as other side effects and serious illness; it could prevent a nation from moving forward and destroy the future generations.
“So, we cannot be complacent as these people (syndicate) will continue to find a way or new tactic to do it (sell and distribute drugs),” he said.
“In the past, we heard about people taking drugs such as syabu, but now – they are mixing drugs with powdered drinks in sachets – just like those 3-in-1 premixed beverages to avoid detection,” he said when officiating the National Anti-Drug Day and the Keluarga Malaysia Direct From Farm Sale Programme in Gedong here today.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has been assisting and supporting the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) in their various efforts and programmes to create awareness and educate the community, especially young people with knowledge about the effects of drugs on health.
Besides, he said, the Sarawak government had also purchased additional drug-sniffing dogs to be deployed to key entry points and to equip the airports with advanced ICT infrastructure to enhance security.
“I would say generally the drug situation in Sarawak is not that bad but we must monitor our entry points closely, especially Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Lawas,” he said.
“Hopefully, with the cooperation from everyone, Sarawak can be a drug-free state soon,” he added.
Among those who present included Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) Sarawak chairman, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, acting State Secretary Datuk Seri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
