KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is grappling with an increase in drug addiction, with cases of substance abuse rising by 7.5% last year, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said 9,207 drug abuse cases were reported last year, up from 8,567 in 2023.
This represents 4.8% of Malaysia's total cases, highlighting the growing issue in the state, he added.
Although Sabah's drug abuse rate of 246 per 100,000 people remains within the national target of below 400, Hajiji expressed concern over the increasing numbers observed across the country.
"While we are still within the target range... we need to intensify efforts to tackle both the supply and demand for drugs," he said during the State Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) meeting at Menara Kinabalu on Monday (April 21).
In response to the increase in drug addiction, the state has identified Penampang and Balung in Tawau as high-risk areas to focus on this year.
The presidents of the Penampang and Tawau municipal councils have been appointed as coordinators for these areas, with a mission to reduce drug abuse levels and increase community awareness.
Hajiji said Sabah would continue to support the success of previously targeted high-risk areas, including Likas, Inanam, and Tanjung Batu, where significant progress has been made in curbing drug use.
A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of the "Kampung Sejahtera Tanggungjawab Bersama" (prosperous village, shared responsibility) pilot programme by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Sabah, which seeks to foster community responsibility in tackling drug abuse.
Hajiji reinforced the need for a united front in addressing the growing crisis.
"Drugs are the nation's No. 1 enemy, and we must all work together to combat this threat for the sake of future generations," he said.
Also present at the meeting were state Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, and newly-appointed Sabah AADK director Elmariah Chung.
