KUCHING – The Sarawak Anti-Drug Squad (SKUAD) has unveiled a strategic framework to strengthen efforts against drug abuse and the growing concern over electronic cigarettes (vapes) across the state, following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday.
The meeting was chaired by Tellian Assemblyman Royston Valentine, who also serves as the Chairman of SKUAD Sarawak.
In his speech, Royston emphasised the importance of enhancing SKUAD’s grassroots role through an integrated, systematic approach involving cross-agency collaboration.
“The anti-drug movement must be coordinated with all sectors — government, private, and the community — to ensure that our actions are effective and sustainable,” he said.
Several key resolutions and proposals were adopted:
- The establishment of a private rehabilitation centre in Sarawak to address long-term rehab needs.
- A total ban on the sale and use of vapes, citing rising youth usage.
- The opening of an AADK office in Kapit Division, along with an increase in AADK manpower across districts.
- The formation of an Anti-Drug Community Centre (ACC) in each district to serve as hubs for prevention, referrals, and community intervention.
- The issuance of official appointment letters to strengthen district-level SKUAD operations.
- The development of a five-year action plan (2026–2030) focused on prevention education, advocacy, community engagement, and sectoral partnerships.
- A push for district-level funding to support programme continuity and implementation.
The AGM marks a pivotal move in strengthening Sarawak’s anti-drug framework and reflects the state’s firm stance on confronting rising social health concerns, especially among youth.
