SABAH'S ADDICTS MOSTLY MARRIED MEN

Tuaran: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor
said statistics from the National Drugs Information System (NADI)
showed that most of the drug addicts detected in Sabah are married
men. They are among 97.7 per cent of the male addicts throughout the country.

In this respect, Hajiji regretted that drug addict husbands on Syabu
are often more aggressive and violent, thereby exposing their wives
and children to imminent danger.

He hoped the people would respond positively to the programmes
organised by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), such as parenting
and religious talks, and futsal competitions for local youths in five
mukims, could help deviate public attention to the drug scourge.

Hajiji, who is Sulaman Assemblyman, said this while launching the
Combat Drug Programme (Gempadah), in Tuaran town, Saturday morning.

The event was aimed at promoting closer relations between the people
and AADK and related agencies against the drug menace.

He noted that 22 addicts were reported this year, compared to only
seven last year. Despite small in number, the people at large should
not take the situation for granted, he said.

Meanwhile, district Wawasan Belia Association Chairman Norjaip Haji
Dalip was the sole recipient of the district level Gempadah special award.