ECSTASY DISTRIBUTORS WARNED

Chor: Culprits Will Be Placed Under Restricted Residence

SIMPANG RENGGAM: The Home Ministry has warned that the Restricted Residence
Act will be used against those who distribute Ecstasy pills as the
Government steps up its campaign against the drug.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said the campaign would involve
all levels of the security force.

"There will be constant interaction and co-operation with the police and
hopefully, we can wipe out this social ill in six months,'' he said.

Chor added that the problem could be overcome within six months with the
help of all Barisan Nasional component parties.

He said 800,000 MCA members would be mobilised to collect information and
address the adverse effects of such habits.

"We will be able to solve the problem faster if all 14 component members of
the Barisan join in the fight.

"The participation of other political parties could enlarge the base of the
campaign, reach out to more people and cover wider areas, thus saving more
youngsters from being ruined.

Chor, who heads the MCA committee on social ills, was speaking to newsmen
after presenting excellent service awards to 94 officers of the Simpang
Renggam prison.

He also presented certificates in tailoring, plumbing and electrical work
to 19 former drug addicts undergoing treatment at the rehabilitation centre.

On MCA leaders receiving threatening calls, Chor urged them to keep him or
the police informed so that investigations could be carried out.

"If we could certify that those calls were made by people involved in the
selling or distribution of drugs, we could take action against them under
the Restricted Residence Act.

"I urge all MCA members not to be discouraged by the threats, which sounds
like the act of some gangsters. If we stand united, they cannot possibly
threaten every member,'' he said.