By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded a 5.9 per cent decline in drug addiction cases in 2025, with 8,665 cases compared with 9,607 in 2024, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said Sabah also recorded the best rate in the country last year, with 230 drug addicts and substance abusers detected.
“This demonstrates the effectiveness of the concerted efforts undertaken by all parties in curbing both the supply and demand of drugs and substances in Sabah,” he said after chairing the State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting at Menara Kinabalu.
He congratulated the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) for its efforts in empowering communities at various levels through grassroots drug prevention programmes.
“I am grateful for AADK’s commitment in reaching out to the community on Banggi Island in Kudat recently through the Drug-Free Aspirations Roadshow in collaboration with the Two-Wheel Anti-Drug Squad programme,” he said.
He also commended the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Sabah contingent for recent major drug seizures through the Sabah Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department.
“This reflects the seriousness with which efforts to combat drug smuggling and distribution in the state continue to be treated as a priority by the police, in line with the aspirations of the Sabah Government.
“All these achievements are the result of relentless efforts in combating the drug threat, which remains the nation’s number one enemy,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government remains steadfast in supporting comprehensive efforts to eradicate drugs and ensure continued safety, harmony and well-being of the people of Sabah.
“In realising the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, the State Government will continue to support all efforts towards achieving a drug-free society and the Drug-Free 2030 agenda,” he said.
Among matters discussed at the MTMD Sabah meeting were the expansion of drug-free workplace programmes in the state public sector and the empowerment of the Sabah Anti-Drug Squad.
Hajiji chairs the MTMD meeting.
