SOME 17 sub-districts in Johor are categorised high-risk for drug and substance abuse and social transgressions, according to health and unity exco Ling Tian Soon.

The sub-districts in question are in Johor Baru, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Segamat, Muar and Mersing.

Ling said the National Anti-Drug Agency was targeting reducing unhealthy activities in 155 areas in the sub-districts within a five-year period, in line with the Drug Control 2025 goals.

“Through state government funding, reducing the drugs problem will be carried out soon to achieve its objective through the Maju Johor agenda to create a drug-free community.

“The drug issue cannot be taken lightly as it involves the public and we as the trustee should rise together in tackling the issue collectively right from the root of it,” he said today.

Ling said that based on last year’s statistics, Johor was 10th in terms of drug abuse and addicts, or 13,261 people.

He said by June, 4,973 people had undergone rehabilitative treatment. – Bernama, October 12, 2022.