By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: A concerted effort is needed to curb the demand and supply of illicit drugs, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He stressed the importance of this approach to reduce the number of drug addicts and substance users in Sabah, which increased by 7.5 per cent last year, with 9,207 individuals detected compared to 8,567 in 2023.
However, this figure only constitutes 4.8 per cent of the national statistics.
“Sabah has recorded a rate of 246 addicts per 100,000 people, which remains within the national target of not more than 400 drug addicts and abusers for every 100,000 population.
“These figures show an increasing trend across the country and in nearly all states.
“The growing trend is worrying and poses a challenge for all of us,” he said, while chairing the State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting at Menara Kinabalu here yesterday.
Hajiji said that for this year, priority will be given to neutralising two high-risk areas – Penampang and Balung in Tawau.
“To ensure the success of making Penampang and Balung drug-free, the presidents of the Penampang Municipal Council and Tawau Municipal Council, who also serve as district MTMD chairmen, have been appointed as coordinators for the high-risk areas in their respective districts,” he said.
He added that efforts will also be taken to maintain the “green” (drug-free) status of seven other high-risk areas, namely Likas, Inanam, Luagan, Patikang and Tuarid Taud, Tanjung Batu, and Merotai.
During the meeting, two papers were tabled, including the “Kampung Sejahtera Tanggungjawab Bersama” pilot programme by the Sabah National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
“I call upon all members of the council to take heed and provide feedback on their efforts to eradicate the drug problem in Sabah, in order to achieve the Drug Under Control 2025 goal,” he said.
He reiterated that drugs remain the country’s number one enemy, and all council members must work together to eliminate the threat for the sake of future generations.
Also present were Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, and the new Sabah AADK Director, Elmariah Chung.
