Deputy MB Calls For Multi-Agency Action As Kelantan Fights Porous-Border Drug Menace

KOTA BHARU, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan government views the issue of drug abuse seriously, watching its scourge on youthful addiction and fearing the worst for its devastating potential to ruin the future of the younger generation, and coping with the challenge of being a state straddling a long land border of 136 kilometres (km) with a neighbouring country.

Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said enforcement must be strengthened by all relevant agencies so that this problem can be addressed more comprehensively.

"The recent mass arrests by police throughout Kelantan and the seizure of drugs worth millions of ringgit are clear evidence that enforcement on the ground is working effectively.

"Congratulations to the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) for this great success. There is no need for a negative perception of Kelantan because what is more important is firm action and tangible results,” he said in a statement on his official Facebook page today.

He said the state’s vulnerable position of sharing a long land border with its northern neighbour, with its many rat trails (illegal border crossings), and the existence of many smuggling syndicates make it challenging to combat drug smuggling.

“The long border with its many rat routes and international syndicates requires a more comprehensive approach and multi-agency cooperation,” he said.

According to him, the state government is not only sitting idly by but it is taking proactive steps through the Kelantan branch of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), chaired by the Youth, Sports, Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) and Community Unity committee.

“Kelantan Pemadam works closely with the AADK (National Anti-Drugs Agency), PDRM, JPN (National Registration Department), YIK (Kelantan Islamic Foundation), and various agencies to strengthen prevention and educational efforts up to the grassroots level of schools and the community,” he said.

He also said that in line with the policy of 'Developing Together with Islam', the state will remain firm and principled to combat drugs.

"We are confident that with the close cooperation of all parties, including enforcement agencies at the federal level, Kelantan can become a model state free of drugs despite facing challenges as the key entry point at the country's northern border," he added.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that police busted a drug trafficking syndicate using cashew nut packets after arresting a couple and seizing drugs worth RM3.1 million on Friday.

On July 3, police busted another drug trafficking syndicate and seized 35.4 kg of 'pil kuda',  worth RM5.04 million, from six raids in Pasir Mas and Tumpat.

-- BERNAMA