Drug abuse among under-15s a growing concern, says Saifuddin

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has warned that drug abuse among children under the age of 15 is a growing concern that requires more comprehensive prevention efforts. According to Saifuddin, those aged between 15 and 39 comprise the largest group involved in drug abuse. He emphasized the need for stronger public education campaigns to raise awareness and encourage families to take preventive action against drug abuse.

Saifuddin made these remarks during a press conference following a Home Ministry program in Machang, Kelantan. He identified Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu as states with drug-related case rates exceeding the national threshold. Pendang in Kedah recorded the highest rate, followed by Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Other districts with rates above 1,000 cases per 100,000 population included Tumpat, Tanah Merah, Bachok in Kelantan, and Besut in Terengganu.

Saifuddin stressed that collaboration between his ministry, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, the police, and state governments is crucial to intensify awareness and prevention programs in the affected areas. These efforts would involve community outreach programs to educate the public and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

Additionally, Saifuddin highlighted that immigration depots across the country are facing capacity pressures due to daily enforcement operations against undocumented migrants. With a combined capacity of about 20,000 people, overcrowding has become a significant issue. The increase in detainees is partly attributed to the immigration department's efforts to map areas with high concentrations of foreign nationals based on enforcement operation data.