By: Fauzi Suhaimi, Amir Zahien Amran dan Ahmad Hakim Baihaqi
TAWAU, May 12, 2024 – The state government will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) to strengthen efforts in combating drug abuse in the state, said Sabah Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Aligned with MOHA’s focus on national security and sovereignty, including safety and crime prevention, YAB Datuk Seri Hajiji said that the state government will also fully support initiatives that can reduce the drug problem in the state.
Therefore, he wants all relevant agencies such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA), the Sabah Youth Council (SYC), federal and state agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to work together to ensure that drug prevention education programs can be implemented, especially in high-risk areas.
“I am very concerned about the development plan for at-risk youth, particularly regarding drug addiction. I acknowledge the enhancement of public awareness programs about drug abuse among youths.
“I believe SYC and its affiliated bodies can be protective factors for at-risk youth,” he said at the NADA Community Programme in conjunction with the 2024 Sabah State Anti-Drug Day Commemoration at the Tawau Municipal Council Square here on Sunday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also the Minister of Public Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya.
The programme organised by MOHA through NADA intends to raise community commitment and awareness to work with the government to address drug-related issues, especially in Sabah.
Meanwhile, YAB Datuk Seri Hajiji said that the state government takes the development of human capital in the state seriously, in line with the commitment to human capital development as one of the agendas in the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.
“Human capital is a crucial asset in building the future of the country. However, problems related to drug abuse are often associated with the involvement of young people and youth.
“Therefore, such situations need to be addressed because young people are essential human capital to lead this state in the future. It is important to ensure our young people are competent, innovative, resilient, and have integrity,” he said.
He continued by saying that several initiatives have been put forth to guarantee that young people are protected from the dangers of drugs and social deviance. For example, the Young Pioneers Programme under SYC aims to promote youth potential and talent as well as entrepreneurship among at-risk youth.
“This initiative indirectly helps marginalised and at-risk youth to reintegrate into the community. I also see the initiative by NADA and SYC to realise the Family Recovery Support Group (KSKK) as very positive,” he said.
Earlier, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction site of the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Center (PUSPEN) in Tawau, located at Batu 36, was officiated this morning.
Commenting further, YAB Datuk Seri Hajiji said that the establishment of PUSPEN in Tawau is an effort to provide facilities and access to drug-related treatment and rehabilitation programs for those in need.
“Congratulations to all involved in this effort. The proposal to build a new PUSPEN in the state has been ongoing since 2019 and finally, it has become a reality with its gazettement last year.
“It takes time to get from the state’s east coast to its west coast because this facility is only accessible in Papar. With this new facility, it will be easier for those on the east coast to access comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation exactly as the one offered at PUSPEN Papar,” he said.
