Ling presents a certificate to a student as Jerrah looks on.
MIRI : The government through the Security and Public Order Policy (DKKA) has formulated strategies through prevention education, treatment and rehabilitation as well as enforcement and strategic cooperation in combating drug abuse.
This is according to Senator Alan Ling who said drug abuse, which he called the nation’s number one enemy, has worsened with the emergence of synthetic drugs which can be easily produced and distributed including through social media.
He added that the problem is not something domestic but a global issue that crosses borders.
Thus he called on all parties to work together to curb drug abuse and drug trafficking.
“Drug abuse not only has a direct impact on the health of the addict but it can also harm the safety, well-being and prosperity of their family, community and the country,” he pointed out.
Ling was addressing the SMK Baru graduation ceremony for Form 5 and Form 6 students held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club yesterday.
Also present was SMK Baru principal Jerrah Pandin.
The senator revealed that Sarawak recorded the highest number of drug-positive secondary school students in Malaysia as of October last year.
“Following urine tests carried out on students from 191 schools in high risk areas, 301 students were found to be drug-positive. The high risk areas were Gita, Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri,” he said.
The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), he added, found that most of the students tested positive for dangerous drug methamphetamine and the situation is worrisome as it involves youths under the age of 18.
Meanwhile, Ling advised the students to grab any opportunity to equip themselves with knowledge.
“Having good SPM and STPM results is important as this will be the platform for you to go higher in your education, such as to university of your choice.
“Your journey in pursuing excellence in education is still long and spread wide in front of you. Do not waste this opportunity and grab the chances that will help you excel further in life,” he said.