Call for fed, state govts to jointly tackle drug smuggling in Kelantan

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DISCUSSING STRATEGY: Wan Junaidi (right) discussing with Kelantan Customs Department chief Datuk Azis Yacub (third left) when visiting a border area at Pengkalang Kubor in Tumpat. — Bernama photo

KOTA BAHARU: The Kelantan and federal governments must cast aside political differences to jointly tackle drug smuggling in the state, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He said there were 150 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok, the common border between Malaysia and Thailand, belonging to local residents used for the smuggling of drugs.

“We should sit down together and discuss on how to solve the problems of river reserves being encroached by locals to build their houses,” he told reporters after visiting the 1Malaysia Cure and Care Clinic here yesterday.

He said more effective approaches must be used to create awareness on the ills of smuggling and distributing drugs.

“Such exposures are crucial, especially to youths, through briefings during school assemblies, through ‘ceramah’ (talks) and sermons in mosques,” he said.

He said providing adequate jobs for the people would also play a role in the effort to eradicate drug abuse. — Bernama