MATUNGGONG: Drug abuse, particularly in rural areas and among youths, is becoming increasingly worrying and requires more comprehensive preventive measures, said Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Minister (KWKKR) Datuk Julita Majungki.
She said the trend was a serious social issue that not only affects individuals’ physical and mental health but also impacts families, increases the risk of crime and threatens community harmony.
Julita said drug abuse was no longer confined to urban areas but had also spread to rural communities involving young people.
“This issue is damaging to individuals and society. It affects health, breaks families, increases crime risks and disrupts community harmony.
“What is more concerning is that drug abuse is no longer limited to urban areas but has also spread to rural communities and involves youths,” she said.
She said prevention efforts must be strengthened through education, early awareness and close cooperation between the Government, enforcement agencies, educational institutions, community leaders, parents and the wider community.
“Effective prevention begins with a caring and proactive community,” she said.
Julita said government agencies must play an important role in addressing the issue through continuous community-based programmes.
She was speaking at the opening of the KWKKR WithYou programme: Strengthening Communities Through Health, Awareness and Harmony at the Matunggong Open Hall on Saturday.
Julita, who is also Sabah PEMADAM chairman, said the programme served as an interactive platform to raise awareness on safety, health and social wellbeing.
She said outreach programmes helped bring government services closer to the people while strengthening ties between agencies and grassroots communities.
Various activities were also held, including health screenings, aerobics, sports activities and blood donation campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles and community participation.
The programme was organised by the KWKKR in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (PEMADAM) and the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN).
Also present were State Secretary for the Ministry Datuk Maria Chong, who is also Sabah PEMADAM honorary secretary, Sabah JPNIN director Rina Ab Harun, Matunggong Assistant District Officer Tinah Maralin, and heads of State and Federal departments.
