RANAU: The Ranau District Police Headquarters (IPD), Health Office (PKD), Ranau National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and Rela Ranau met to discuss the issue of ketum abuse among the local community recently.
Chaired by Ranau District Police Chief, Supt. Mursalin bin Mahmud, among the main objectives were to increase understanding of the law relating to ketum, provide explanations on the health effects from medical experts and present statistics on ketum possession cases in Ranau from 2020 to 2025.
The meeting also opened a space for two-way dialogue between the police and the agencies involved to clarify confusion and develop cooperation in raising awareness among the community.
The Ranau Police Chief also asked to prepare brochures and briefing materials to be distributed in schools, mosques and churches through talk programs conducted by the Police.
Continued cooperation between the police and other agencies is very important in efforts to combat ketum abuse and raise public awareness of the dangers of the substance. Police arrested another local believed to be involved in ketum abuse.
A search of his home by the police found several bottles containing ketum water along with equipment believed to be used to cook the drink.
During the search, the police seized four plastic bottles containing 1.5 liters of ketum water, one bottle containing 0.5 liters of ketum water, as well as a gas can, a cooking stove and a white polystyrene container.
The case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 which, if convicted, carries a prison sentence of not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than RM100,000 or both.
The police stressed that strict action will be taken against any individual involved in the distribution or use of ketum because it is an offense under the law.
