KUCHING – The Sarawak Government and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are reinforcing their collaboration to combat drug abuse, with new strategies and enhanced logistical support aimed at curbing the state’s most pressing social challenge.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah highlighted that tackling drug-related crime has been his foremost priority since assuming office in the state.
He underscored the uncompromising stance of law enforcement, stating: “My motto is that there is no day without an arrest in drug cases. We want the public to know that this crime cannot be compromised, whether it is the distributor, supplier, owner or user.”
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II, Kuching.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between PDRM and state agencies, which has enabled more effective operations through logistical assistance and government-backed support.
Datuk Mohamad Zainal also announced that Sarawak PDRM will adopt a new legal approach by applying the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) against drug trafficking syndicates.
He explained that while SOSMA is often associated with terrorism, it can also be used to address organised crime.
“This action will result in the suspect not being able to be granted bail until the appeal is completed, thus crippling the syndicate network,” he said, adding that the measure will be implemented once sufficient evidence is secured.
In addition, he expressed gratitude to the Sarawak Government for providing advanced tools such as the Instant Visual Drug Detector System (IVDDS) and operational vehicles.
The IVDDS, currently unique to Sarawak, has significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of field personnel during initial screenings.
The Commissioner stressed that drug-related offences are not isolated but often linked to other criminal activities.
“This drug crime is a ‘highway’ to other crimes. When we fight drugs, we can also reduce other crimes,” he noted, pointing to reductions in theft and domestic violence when drug abuse is curtailed.
The courtesy call was also attended by Deputy Minister of Women and Children Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, Permanent Secretary of KPWK, Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, and other officials.
Their presence underscored the shared commitment across government and enforcement agencies to safeguard communities from the destructive impact of drugs.
The strengthened cooperation between the state and PDRM reflects Sarawak’s broader agenda to ensure public safety, protect vulnerable groups, and dismantle criminal networks that threaten social stability.
