70 per cent of crime in Sabah drug-related, says minister

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KOTA KINABALU: The issue of drug abuse remains to be the ‘mother of all social problems’ in the state, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid said.

“The state and our Chief Minister are determined in eradicating drug issues as drugs are the mother of all social problems.

“From what I have observed, 70 per cent of crime incidents were drug-related,” Jainab said when officiating at the state National Anti-Drugs Agency appreciation night on Tuesday.

“This year, the state National Anti-Drugs Agency did not receive that much funding and that is why the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) had stepped in to offer financial assistance.

“Luckily for 2018, the AADK has received much more funding, as revealed in the recent Budget,” she added.

She also said that the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) initiative played an important role in the fight against drugs as it promoted the idea of teamwork between the various departments, which can lead to the cutting of costs.

Jainab called on the members of the media, community leaders and especially parents to join the war on drugs. She also suggested that the Education Department  work together with AADK as education can the first step in curbing social problems.

Commenting on the event, Jainab said the dinner was all about bonding and networking between the various anti-drug agencies of the state.

During the event, several media members and retired anti-drug agencies personnel were presented with special awards. — Bernama