MALAYSIA MUST SEND CLEAR MESSAGE AGAINST DRUG SYNDICATES - LEE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must send a clear and unmistakable message to  international and local drug syndicates that it will not tolerate its land being used to produce, store or transship dangerous drugs, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

In this regard Lee in a statement today said firm and coordinated action is urgently needed to stop international and local drug syndicates from turning Malaysia into a drug processing centre and transit hub.

Lee said recent arrests and seizure of drugs by Malaysian authorities showed that drug syndicates were becoming more organised, technologically sophisticated and ruthless in targeting Malaysia, posing a grave threat not only to public health and safety but also to national security, social stability and the future of the younger generation.

“Drug abuse destroys families, fuels crime, burdens the healthcare system, and erodes productivity. Communities already struggling with social problems are further weakened when drugs take root. We cannot allow syndicates to profit at the expense of Malaysian lives,” he added.

Lee also commended the coordinated actions of the Royal Malaysia Police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Customs, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Immigration and other enforcement bodies in dismantling drug networks, raiding processing laboratories, seizing precursor chemicals and stopping cross-border trafficking activities.

“Their dedication and sacrifice deserve full public support,” he said.

At the same time, Lee said the fight against drugs must be comprehensive and balanced, calling for strengthened intelligence sharing between local and international agencies, tighter control of precursor chemicals and equipment used in drug processing, harsher penalties and financial forfeiture for kingpins and masterminds, enhanced border surveillance, and measures to prevent housing areas and industrial zones from being misused as clandestine drug laboratories.

He also stressed the need for community vigilance, comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation programmes, as well as continuous public education, especially among youths, on the dangers of synthetic drugs.

“The war against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. It requires the cooperation of parents, schools, community leaders, NGOs, private sector and the media. Every Malaysian has a role to play in closing the space for syndicates to operate,” he said

Lee noted that Malaysia must remain a safe nation and not become a drug processing base or a transit corridor for international crime syndicates.

“We stand firmly with the authorities in this critical effort to protect our people and safeguard the future of our nation,” he said.

-- BERNAMA