Statistics recorded by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) show that this year alone, the biggest number of individuals involved in drug abuse activities are youth aged 19 to 39, said NCB Director Dato Paduka Mohd Zalani bin Haji Ismail in his remarks at a symposium yesterday.
“There was hope for this group of individuals to contribute towards nation building but unfortunately, they were easily influenced and wasted their youth by engaging in harmful activities that could be a loss to the country and religion. It is a concerning phenomenon that could lead to destruction of the community and nation,” he added.
As such, this year’s theme ‘Visionary Youth Without Drugs’ has been chosen as an effort to disseminate knowledge on the consequences of illegal drug use and trafficking, especially to youth who have less awareness on drug issues.
The symposium was organised by NCB in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023 at Caesar Hall of the Mulia Hotel in Berakas.
Acting Permanent Secretary (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Zulhusam bin Haji Abdul Samad was the guest of honour.
Also present were officials from government departments, public and private higher learning institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as mosque youth.
Facilitating the symposium was Special Duties Officer Grade II at the Counselling and Religious Understanding Unit (KAFA) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Muhammad Yussof bin Haji Abdul Majid.
Also invited to present their talk at the event were speakers from abroad namely Director General of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Malaysia Sutekno bin Ahmad Belon; Assistant Senior Director Major Investigations, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Singapore Muhammad Rizal bin Alias and Head of Management and Leadership Faculty at Universiti Sains Malaysia Professor Datin Dr Sapora Sipon.
Following the launch by the guest of honour, the symposium kicked off with a talk on ‘Understanding Drugs Threat Amongst Youths Today – AADK Experience’ by Sutekno.
Muhammad Yussof then gave a talk on ‘Avoiding Drugs; Return to Obey Allah Command’ and on ‘NGOs Contribution Towards Harm Prevention Approach – Singapore Experience’ and Professor Datin Dr Sapora on ‘Towards Empowering Drug Abuse Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation Coaching Programme Certificate’. – Lyna Mohamad
