PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution today said that the number of drug users nationwide has dropped by approximately 10.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous period.
Speaking at a press conference after his ministry’s monthly assembly here, he said the drop in the first quarter was largely driven by a decline in cases reported in Kelantan.
“This is closely linked to the fact that we have shut down illegal entry points, the ‘jalan tikus’, which were a major channel for drug entry. So it’s highly correlated,” he said, referring to the uncharted border tracks.
“As you know, we launched an enforcement campaign and intensified awareness programmes because the data shows that four states near the border are the most affected,” he added, describing Kelantan, Pahang, Kedah and Perlis.
Saifuddin said the National Anti-Drugs Agency has since stepped up awareness and education programmes involving all stakeholders while strengthened border control to tackle the issue.
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