KELANTAN PEMADAM ENGAGES 36 AGENCIES IN COORDINATED WAR ON DRUGS

KOTA BHARU, May 16 (Bernama) – The Kelantan government, through the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM), recently held an engagement session with 36 federal and state-level agencies as part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse. 

State PEMADAM chairman, Zamakhshari Muhamad, said the engagement is a strategic initiative by the government to address drug-related issues through a coordinated and integrated approach.

“This session involved various agencies, such as the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), institutions of higher learning, local authorities, community leaders and others.

“Several resolutions were formulated in collaboration with these key stakeholders to strengthen grassroots-level intervention,” he told Bernama recently.

Previously, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay had revealed that Kelantan recorded the highest rate of drug abuse in the country, with 1,130 cases per 100,000 population.

Zamakhshari said that following the engagement session, a workshop to develop a strategic action plan and anti-drug intervention modules will be held on June 3.

“We have paid a courtesy visit to the Kelantan Police Chief and held discussions to strengthen cooperation in addressing drug-related issues.

“The police have firmly declared a ‘war on drugs’, and the state government views this matter with equal seriousness, recognising that it transcends political lines,” he said.

He emphasised that drug abuse is a shared problem requiring close cooperation between the state and federal governments, as well as all relevant stakeholders.

“Drug abuse is a global challenge and not unique to Kelantan. However, we acknowledge that the state is significantly affected by this issue,” he added.

-- BERNAMA