Creating a drug-free nation

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar urged everyone to come together in eliminating 'daun ketum' and drug abuse among Malaysians which is worsening.

He suggested for farmers to find alternative crops to be planted instead of 'daun ketum' so that they can still garner profits in an effort to prevent 'daun ketum' abuse, especially in Kedah.

He added that the problem they are having at the moment is the difficult in detecting the number of plantation owners, thus complicate the efforts in curbing such situation.

"To replace 'daun ketum', I recommend for farmers to plant the Silva tree which is a type of leaf that can be substituted for the sugar. This way farmers can earn higher profit," said Wan Junaidi.

Regarding the law to prevent the planting of the 'daun ketum', he said the crops are not easily removed but he would discuss the matter with the Ministry of Health to try find the best mechanism in addressing the issue.

Meanwhile, over the past one year he said that the Caring Community House Program (CCH) which was established by the National Drug Agency (AADK) has received 117,588 clients who came to participate voluntarily.

The participants also supports the efforts made by AADK in creating CCH or community home in tackling the issue of drug addiction.