October forum on drug trends and challenges in Sarawak

KUCHING: A forum will be held here next month to address drug-related challenges in the region.

It is being put together by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department in collaboration with the Sarawak government

The initiative was revealed on Wednesday (Sept 18) during a courtesy visit by the department’s Bukit Aman deputy director, SAC Mat Zani Salahuddin Che Ali, to Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, at her office.

According to Salahuddin, the forum, which will take place in early October, aims to shed light on current drug trends in Sarawak and explore effective measures to curb the spread of narcotics in the state.

“The objective of the forum is to discuss the drug scenario in Sarawak, focusing on how we can address it effectively. We also aim to highlight the functions and roles of the Narcotics Department and the One Stop Committee (OSC), led by Fatimah.

“The collaboration between the Narcotics Department and the Sarawak government through the OSC has been critical in combating drug trafficking and abuse within the state,” he said.

Salahuddin pointed out that Sarawak’s geographical proximity to neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia, poses a unique challenge, making it a potential transit hub for international drug smuggling.

However, he reassured the public that drug trafficking in Sarawak remains under control.

“There is no serious involvement in drug smuggling within Sarawak, and with the leadership of Fatimah through the OSC, we have been able to address this issue comprehensively,” he added.

On drug cultivation and usage trends in Sarawak, he acknowledged that cases of drug abuse, including isolated incidents of cannabis use, do exist.

However, he stressed that the situation is not as alarming as reported and remains manageable.