Zainudin: Sarawak must take strict measures against drug distribution, abuse

KUCHING (Oct 8): Sarawak needs to take stringent measures to combat drug distribution and abuse.

Speaking at the Special Narcotics Forum today, deputy director of narcotics (intelligence/operations) at the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) Bukit Aman, DCP Datuk Zainudin Ahmad, had proposed for the NCID to adopt more proactive and aggressive actions against drug offenders — measures meant to be particularly relevant to Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues.

“Entry points into Sarawak, particularly in Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu, must be tightened, and individuals entering the state through these regions should be screened by the NCID,” he said as a panellist at the forum held at a hotel here today.

He emphasised the importance of tight cooperation with agencies guarding Sarawak’s borders, which should be strengthened to tackle this issue more effectively.

Additionally, Zainudin called upon the NCID officers to participate in capacity-building courses, aimed at equipping them with profiling skills to identify drug mules and others involved in illicit activities.

“Our country is not a drug producer, but due to our proximity to the ‘Golden Triangle’ — a region associated with drug production — we have become a strategic transit hub for traffickers,” he pointed out.

Zainudin also described the increasing demand for drugs in certain entertainment venues, career-related stress, and a lack of public awareness, as ‘having contributed to the inflow of drugs into the country’.

Nevertheless, he commended Sarawak for being a positive example in tackling drug-related issues.

“The Sarawak’s OSC (One-Stop Committee) has been actively addressing drug and substance issues.

“In July 2020, the Sarawak government declared drug abuse a security threat,” he said.

The Special Narcotics Forum 2024, organised by the NCID and the Sarawak OSC, meant to address substance abuse, focusing on tackling drug-related challenges and implementing measures to overcome them.

Other panellists included NCID Bukit Aman deputy director of narcotics (asset forfeiture/legal/detention) DCP Mohd Zani Che Din, and lecturer at the Centre for Social and Environmental Development Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Prof Dr Novel Lyndon.

The forum is moderated by former executive secretary for the Social Development Council (MPS) of Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah.

Also present were NCID Bukit Aman director Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin, and deputy director of narcotics at NCID Bukit Aman SAC Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali.