KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s intensified war against drugs is much needed to prevent the country from becoming a drug processing and transit hub for international syndicates, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said firm and coordinated action is urgently needed to stop both international and local syndicates from exploiting the country.
"The recent arrests and large-scale seizures showed that drug syndicates were becoming increasingly organised, technologically sophisticated and ruthless in targeting Malaysia.
“These activities pose a serious threat not only to public health and safety, but also to national security, social stability and the future of our younger generation,” he said when contacted on Thursday (Jan 1).
He emphasised that Malaysia must send a clear and unmistakable message that it will not tolerate its territory being used to produce, store, or transship dangerous drugs.
“Drug abuse destroys families, fuels crime, burdens the healthcare system and erodes productivity. Communities already struggling with social problems are further weakened when drugs take root.
"We cannot allow syndicates to profit at the expense of Malaysian lives,” he lamented.
Lee commended the coordinated efforts of enforcement agencies, especially the Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) in dismantling drug networks, raiding processing laboratories, seizing precursor chemicals and curbing cross-border trafficking.
“Their dedication and sacrifice deserve full public support,” he added.
However, Lee said the fight against drugs must be comprehensive and balanced, urging several key measures to be strengthened.
"These include enhanced intelligence sharing between local and international agencies to cripple transnational drug cartels, tighter controls on precursor chemicals and equipment used in drug processing, and harsher penalties with financial forfeiture targeting kingpins and masterminds rather than small-time couriers," he urged.
He also called for improved border surveillance across land, sea and air entry points, stronger measures to prevent residential areas and industrial zones from being misused as clandestine drug laboratories, and greater community vigilance to encourage the public to report suspicious activities without fear.
"Comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation programmes are also vital to ensure drug addicts receive proper treatment and reintegration support, as well as continuous public education, particularly among youths, on the dangers of increasingly potent synthetic drugs.
“The war against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. It requires cooperation from parents, schools, community leaders, NGOs, the private sector and the media," he said.
