SIBU – The Sibu District office of the National Anti-Drug Agency, locally known as AADK, has successfully concluded a targeted three-day enforcement initiative aimed at curbing substance abuse within the region.
The operation, designated as Operation Perdana Number 3 of 2026, culminated on the morning of 17 July 2026, yielding significant results in the local fight against illicit narcotics.
Led by the Sibu District Head of AADK, Azimah Marsid, the tactical exercise deployed a dedicated team of seven enforcement officers and agency members.
Their coordinated efforts across various neighbourhoods in the district were designed to identify and assist individuals struggling with addiction, while simultaneously disrupting local supply chains.
Throughout the duration of the initiative, authorities successfully detained a total of twenty-two individuals.
The apprehended suspects ranged in age from nineteen to fifty years old, highlighting the widespread demographic reach of substance dependency issues in the community.
Following their detention, all twenty-two individuals were subjected to preliminary urine screening procedures.
The results confirmed that eighteen men and four women tested positive for methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ‘syabu’.
This synthetic stimulant remains a primary concern for law enforcement agencies across Sarawak due to its highly addictive nature and severe socio-economic impacts.
Methamphetamine abuse poses severe risks to both physical health and psychological well-being, often leading to deteriorating family dynamics and increased vulnerability to other forms of criminal activity.
By intercepting users early, the agency hopes to mitigate these cascading societal harms before they become entrenched.
The detained individuals are currently undergoing formal investigation under Section 3(1) of the Drug and Substance Abusers (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983. This specific legislative framework is notable for its rehabilitative rather than purely punitive approach.
Should the investigations confirm the offences, the individuals may be legally mandated to participate in a structured treatment and rehabilitation programme.
This intervention can be administered either at a dedicated narcotics addiction rehabilitation centre, known locally as PUSPEN, or through a supervised community-based rehabilitation scheme.
Community-based rehabilitation allows individuals to receive counselling and monitoring while remaining within their familiar social environment. Experts frequently cite this as beneficial for long-term recovery and family reintegration.
This dual-track approach underscores the agency’s commitment to treating addiction as a manageable health condition rather than solely a criminal justice issue.
The successful execution of this operation reflects the broader objectives of the national MADANI agenda. By prioritising social welfare and public safety, the initiative aligns with the government’s vision of fostering a more prosperous, secure, and cohesive society.
Eradicating the influence of illicit substances is viewed as a fundamental step toward empowering local communities and safeguarding the youth from predatory drug networks.
AADK officials have strongly reiterated the importance of public vigilance in sustaining these enforcement gains.
The agency emphasises that community cooperation is indispensable in identifying clandestine drug activities and guiding vulnerable individuals toward available support services.
Members of the public are actively encouraged to report any suspicions regarding drug trafficking or substance abuse in their respective vicinities.
Such intelligence is treated with strict confidentiality and serves as a critical tool for planning future targeted operations.
For those seeking guidance, wishing to report an incident, or requiring advice on addiction management, AADK has established dedicated communication channels.
The public can reach the agency’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-22-2235. Alternatively, individuals may utilise the WhatsApp messaging service at 019-626-2233 to make discreet enquiries or formal complaints.
Furthermore, the agency continues to advocate for preventative education in schools and community centres.
By addressing the root causes of addiction and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, AADK aims to build a generational shield against the allure of illicit substances, ensuring a brighter future for the state.
The conclusion of Operation Perdana Number 3 of 2026 marks a temporary victory in an ongoing battle. However, AADK Sibu has indicated that enforcement efforts will remain relentless.
Future operations are expected to incorporate enhanced intelligence-led policing and deeper collaboration with other security apparatuses to ensure the district remains resilient against the scourge of drug abuse.
By maintaining this proactive stance, the agency aims to not only intercept active users but also to deter potential new recruits into the drug trade.
The ultimate goal remains the holistic restoration of affected individuals, enabling them to reclaim their lives and contribute positively to the social fabric of Sibu and the wider Sarawak region.
