BETONG – A 22-year-old man was detained by police during a Special Ops operation in Betong on 12 May 2026, after testing positive for drugs.
The arrest was carried out by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (BSJN) of the Betong District Police Headquarters (IPD).
District Police Chief DSP Wan Mohamad Ali bin Wan Malek confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody at approximately 12.40 pm.
He explained that the man was suspected of being involved in drug abuse activities, prompting officers to conduct a urine screening test. The test revealed traces of amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Police records showed that the suspect had no prior criminal or drug-related history. Despite this, the case is being investigated under two provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952: Section 12(2) for possession of drugs and Section 15(1)(a) for drug abuse.
Under Section 12(2), offenders may face fines of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment for a maximum of five years. Section 15(1)(a) carries penalties of up to RM5,000 in fines or a prison term of up to two years.
These provisions reflect Malaysia’s strict stance on narcotics, aimed at curbing drug abuse and protecting communities from its harmful effects.
DSP Wan Mohamad Ali stressed that the Betong IPD takes drug-related offences seriously and will not tolerate any activities linked to narcotics.
He reiterated that police operations will continue to be intensified to ensure that Betong remains safe and free from the threat of drug abuse.
The police chief also called on the public to play an active role in combating the issue. He urged residents to provide information on suspicious activities, noting that community cooperation is vital in helping law enforcement address the problem effectively.
“We encourage the public to share any information that can assist us in tackling drug abuse. Together, we can safeguard the well-being of our district,” he said.
Betong, a growing town in Sarawak, has seen increased enforcement efforts in recent years as authorities work to prevent the spread of narcotics among its youth and wider population.
Police believe that consistent monitoring, combined with public support, will help reduce the prevalence of drug-related offences in the district.
This latest arrest underscores the importance of proactive policing in smaller towns, where drug abuse can have significant social consequences.
The Betong IPD has pledged to continue its vigilance, with more targeted operations expected in the months ahead.
