WAR AGAINST TAKING ECSTASY PILLS

FEEDBACK shows about 180,000 Malaysian Chinese are taking Ecstasy pills and
MCA is launching an all-out-war next Monday to curb this social ill.

The fight is aimed at illegal horse-racing machines and local authorities
will be asked to step up raids on premises suspected to be involved in
these two social ills.

MCA secretary-general Datuk Dr Ting Chew Peh said the campaign was to help
the people know and understand the hidden health dangers of the pill and
its social implications on the long run.

"Taking Ecstasy pills not only damages a person's brain, liver and kidney
but also the person's future and that of their families and society,'' he said.

On the estimate that about 90% of about 200,000 Ecstasy pill poppers (or
180,000) in the country were Chinese as revealed by Wanita MCA chief Datuk
Dr Ng Yen Yen recently, Dr Ting said MCA would identify the root cause of
the trend.

He said it was important that youngsters be aware of its danger and know
how to protect themselves.

The people, especially youngsters must not try Ecstasy pills out of
curiosity or any other reasons, Dr Ting who is also Port Klang Authority
chairman told reporters after launching a housing project Villa Sentosa in
Taman Sentosa, Klang, yesterday.

The project, developed by Idaman Kalbu Sdn Bhd, comprises two low-medium
cost apartment blocks with a total of 320 units.

Dr Ting was asked on the nature of the "war'' as decided by the party's
presidential council meeting chaired by president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong
Sik last week.

He said other measures, like the crackdown on the suppliers, peddlers and
so on would be the job of the authorities.

Dr Ting said the first stage of the war was to mobilise MCA's 880,000
leaders and members at all levels to help create awareness on the danger of
the pills.

He said the party would also be seeking the help of the mass-media to
highlight the matter.

Dr Ting urged the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), especially the
youth movement to support the war against Ecstasy pills.

MCA central committee member Datuk Dr Sak Cheng Lum said the figures on
Ecstasy pills so far was a rough estimate and a special committee would
conduct a more in-depth study.

Dr Sak cautioned that Ecstasy pills could wipe out a society if left unchecked.

The people, especially youths should join movements like the Rakan Muda, Dr
Sak said when asked on the alternatives for the youths who wanted to lead
an active social life.