THE government has failed to curb drug problems in the country after so many years of fighting, says Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said today that the government could no longer deny its failure.

“We have to admit that we have failed. We cannot be in denial. But this does not mean that we should stop trying to improve our ways of eradicating drug problems and rehabiliting drug users,” he said.

He also said that tackling the drug scourge was not the responsibility of the government alone.

“Civil society groups, such as Pemadam (Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia), and state governments should also play their roles to curb drugs,” he said.

Without elaborating on the government latest efforts in its war against drugs, Zahid said that an amendment had, however, been made to the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, one of which was the rescheduling of the types of drugs deemed dangerous.

“Once it is gazetted, new drugs will also make it into the schedule,” he said.

He said that Malaysia would not follow the United Nations’ proposed move to support allowing drugs for personal use.

“(Drugs are) a big problem, not only in Malaysia. 

“If we do not put a stop to this, it will continue to fuel social ills and criminal activities. 
“So, we will not follow the UN if supports such a move.

Earlier this morning, Zahid announced RM10 million aid for Pemadam, a government-linked organisation, to bolster its efforts to eradicate drugs.

The aid will be channelled through the National Drugs Agency annually.

Last year, 30,847 drug cases were reported compared with only 26,668 the year before, an increase of 14%. — December 17, 2017.