Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded a 5.9 per cent reduction in the number of drug addicts detected in 2025, with 8,665 cases compared to 9,607 in 2024, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said Sabah also recorded the best rate in the country last year, with 230 drug addicts and substance abusers detected.
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“This demonstrates the effectiveness of the concerted efforts undertaken by all parties in curbing both the supply and demand of drugs and substances in Sabah,” he said after chairing the State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting at Menara Kinabalu, Monday.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) for its efforts in empowering communities at various levels through grassroots drug prevention programmes.
“I am grateful for AADK’s commitment in reaching out to the community on Banggi Island in Kudat recently through the Drug-Free Aspirations Roadshow in collaboration with the Two-Wheel Anti-Drug Squad programme,” he said.
He also commended the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Sabah contingent for its recent major drug seizures through the Sabah Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department.
“This reflects the seriousness with which efforts to combat drug smuggling and distribution in the State continue to be treated as a priority by the police, in line with the aspirations of the Sabah Government.
“All these achievements are the result of relentless efforts in combating the drug threat, which remains the nation’s number one enemy,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government remains steadfast in supporting comprehensive efforts to eradicate the drug menace and ensure the continued safety, harmony and well-being of the people of Sabah.
“In realising the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, the State Government will continue to support all efforts towards achieving a drug-free society and the Drug-Free 2030 agenda,” he said.
Among the matters discussed at the MTMD Sabah meeting were the expansion of drug-free workplace programmes in the State public sector and the empowerment of the Sabah State Anti-Drug Squad.
Meanwhile, AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the meeting approved two proposals to sustain the momentum towards achieving the Drug-Free 2030 target.
He said the proposals, presented by AADK and the Sabah Anti-Drug Squad, involve expanding the Drug-Free Workplace Programme (Tekad) in the State’s public sector and strengthening community-based anti-drug efforts.
“The initiatives are strategic measures aimed at developing resilient communities while expanding preventive education and public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug and substance abuse among Sabahans,” he said in a statement.
Ruslin also expressed appreciation to the State Government for its support of the Drug-Free Aspirational Village programme, which currently focuses on the two pilot locations of Kampung Likas in Kota Kinabalu and Kampung Benoni in Papar.
He said the community intervention initiative would also be reinforced through the Bersatu Lawan Najis Dadah Anti-Drug Squad programme, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic cooperation between the Federal Government, the State Government and local communities.
Ruslin said AADK was also actively implementing the Drug-Free Aspirations Roadshow nationwide using a two-pronged strategic approach that combines both top-down and bottom-up methods.
He said the hybrid approach aimed to mobilise communities comprehensively and build social resilience beginning at the family level to reduce dependence on and demand for drugs and other substances.
“AADK is confident that the strong commitment shown by the Sabah state leadership will produce constructive, practical and high-impact outcomes to ensure Sabah, and Malaysia as a whole, are free from the threat posed by the nation’s number one enemy,” he said.
