Drug abuse among rural youths in Sabah on the rise, says minister

 

MATUNGGONG: Drug abuse is increasingly spreading to rural areas in Sabah, particularly among youths, making stronger prevention efforts at the community level more urgent, said Datuk Julita Majungki.

The state Women, Health and People's Wellbeing minister Datuk Julita Majungki said drug abuse had become one of the state's growing social challenges, affecting not only urban centres but also rural communities.

"The issue not only damages the physical and mental health of individuals, but also weakens family institutions, increases the risk of crime and threatens community harmony.

"What is even more worrying is that drug abuse is no longer confined to urban areas but has spread to rural communities and now involves more youths.

"Prevention efforts must therefore be strengthened through education, early awareness and close cooperation among the government, enforcement agencies, educational institutions, community leaders, parents and the community as a whole.

"Effective prevention begins with a caring community that is willing to take action," she said.

Julita was speaking when officiating the KWKKR With You: Empowering Communities Through Health, Awareness and Harmony programme at the Matunggong Open Hall on Saturday.

She said government agencies played an important role in addressing the problem and called for more community-based programmes to be organised actively and continuously.

Julita, who is also Sabah PEMADAM chairman, said the programme served as an interactive and inclusive platform to raise public awareness on safety, health and social wellbeing.

"Outreach programmes like this not only bring government services closer to the people but also strengthen ties between government agencies and communities at the grassroots level.

"Various activities, including health screenings, aerobics, telematch events and a blood donation campaign, were also organised to promote a healthy lifestyle while encouraging active public participation in fostering unity and community harmony," she said.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Women, Health and People's Wellbeing (KWKKR) in collaboration with the Malaysian Prevention of Drugs Association (PEMADAM) and the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN).

Also present were KWKKR permanent secretary Datuk Maria Chong, who is also honorary secretary of Sabah PEMADAM, Sabah JPNIN director Rina Ab Harun, Matunggong assistant district officer Tinah Maralin, and heads of federal and state government departments.