MCA'S WAR AGAINST ECSTASY GETS ALL-ROUND SUPPORT

PENANG: More youth organisations have come out in support of the MCA's
all-out war against the use of Ecstasy pills with some declaring that
the scourge affected all races.

Malaysian Hindu Youth Council vice-president P. Rajendran said the MCA
was acting for all races in battling the problem.

"MCA is acting at the right time because the Ecstasy menace should be
stopped now and we have to take immediate action,'' Rajendran said.

He also pledged to include Indian youths in the anti-drug abuse
campaign.

Rajendran also urged the National Narcotics Agency to take stronger
action against pill pushers.

It is estimated that about 180,000 or 90% of those consuming the pills
are Chinese.

The MCA recently declared the all-out war against the drug and will
launch a campaign against it on Monday.

Penang Youth Council president Tan Gin Soon said the council was
concerned over the number of youths involved in Ecstasy abuse.

"We support any move to educate youths and remind them to distance
themselves from drugs,'' he said.

In voicing his support for MCA's campaign, Young Malaysian Movement
Penang chairman Kuan Tat Seng noted that the Ecstasy menace was "a
major problem'' involving many young people.

"As a youth group, we have a responsibility to address the matter,''
he said.

In Petaling Jaya, Petaling Jaya Hindu Youth Organisation president S.
Jeevanesan said youths should never be involved in any drugs usage nor
indulge in gambling.

"We feel that it's time authorities move in on these unhealthy
activities and rehabilitate those youths.

"They should also train other youths to stay away by organising
healthy events which can hold their interest,'' he said.