Kuala lumpur: The Sarawak state government is taking definitive steps towards establishing its own drug rehabilitation centre to address the persistent issue of drug abuse within the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Prevention of Drug Abuse Association (PEMADAM) Chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that it would allow Sarawak to manage substance rehabilitation according to its unique needs and perspectives. Abdul Karim noted the federal agencies, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), typically regulate drug-related matters, but stressed that the state government must actively engage in addressing these social issues locally.

"This is not solely a problem for the Federal Government," Abdul Karim remarked during a press conference following the Sarawak State-Level Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) Meeting. He underscored the widespread nature of social problems stemming from drug abuse and the necessity for local intervention.

Furthermore, Abdul Karim, who also serves as the Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, announced that the proposal for the new drug rehabilitation centre would soon be presented at a state cabinet meeting for official endorsement. He also revealed that the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sarawak, along with the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), has been tasked with preparing a detailed consideration paper for the initiative.