Drug Abuse Remains A Major Issue In Kelantan - Ahmad Zahid

TANAH MERAH, July 11 (Bernama) -- The issue of drug abuse continues to plague Kelantan, as statistics show that it has consistently recorded the highest number of cases, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said statistics released by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) clearly show that the problem has yet to be effectively addressed in the state.

“I am quite disheartened because Kelantan still ‘leads’ the nation in drug abuse, and this statistic has been confirmed by various agencies.

“As chairman of the National Anti-Drugs Cabinet Committee, I believe it is not appropriate for any party to shirk responsibility and assume that it is solely the duty of others,” he said. 

He told reporters this after opening the Tanah Merah UMNO division delegates meeting here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, urged all parties to set aside political differences to jointly address the issues of drug abuse and crime, particularly in opposition-led states.

“Let us tackle this problem together, even though these four states are under different administrations. We must set aside our differences. Responsibility cannot rest solely on the state or federal government — all parties, including enforcement agencies, must work together to resolve this,” he said.

Touching on drug smuggling activities in Kelantan, Ahmad Zahid said it is also influenced by the state's location, as it borders another country.

“Apart from raising parental awareness and running campaigns for children, the state government must also take responsibility. Current statistics show that the age of drug addicts is decreasing, with some getting involved as early as 10 years old,” he said.

He explained that drug traffickers use various tactics, including offering free supplies at the start, which leads to addiction. Hence, cooperation from all parties must be mobilised to combat the issue.

Meanwhile, commenting on the statement by PAS vice-president Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah that the federal government had restricted development and allocations for Kelantan since 1990, Ahmad Zahid firmly denied the claim.

According to him, Kelantan has consistently received attention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during every official visit to the state.

“I heard this with my own ears — when the landslide incident happened in Kelantan, the Prime Minister (Anwar) immediately decided to provide emergency assistance.

“That assistance was requested by the Kelantan leadership. Likewise, during the biggest flood in the past, the federal government also assisted Kelantan,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, stressed that most development projects in Kelantan depend on federal government funding, and this fact must be acknowledged by state leaders.

“If there were no allocations from the federal government, I believe Kelantan would be even further behind in terms of development. So don’t try to twist this fact to poison the minds of the people or sow hatred among their members and supporters.

“I hope he (Mohd Amar) gets his information from his own leadership,” he said.

-- BERNAMA