Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye calls for firm action to stop syndicates from turning Malaysia into a drug processing and transit hub.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must send a clear and unmistakable message to international and local drug syndicates that it will not tolerate its land being used to produce, store or transship dangerous drugs.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said firm and coordinated action is urgently needed to stop these syndicates from turning Malaysia into a drug processing centre and transit hub.
He said recent arrests and seizures show syndicates are becoming more organised, technologically sophisticated and ruthless.
This poses a grave threat to public health, safety, national security and social stability.
“Drug abuse destroys families, fuels crime, burdens the healthcare system, and erodes productivity,” Lee added in a statement.
He commended the coordinated actions of the police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, Customs, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Immigration and other enforcement bodies.
“Their dedication and sacrifice deserve full public support,” he said.
Lee stressed the fight must be comprehensive and balanced.
He called for strengthened intelligence sharing between local and international agencies.
He also advocated for tighter control of precursor chemicals, harsher penalties for kingpins, enhanced border surveillance and measures to prevent housing areas from being misused as clandestine laboratories.
The need for community vigilance, comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation programmes was also highlighted.
Continuous public education, especially among youths, on the dangers of synthetic drugs is crucial.
“The war against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone,” Lee said.
It requires the cooperation of parents, schools, community leaders, NGOs, the private sector and the media.
He noted that Malaysia must remain a safe nation and not become a drug processing base or a transit corridor for international crime syndicates.
“We stand firmly with the authorities in this critical effort to protect our people and safeguard the future of our nation,” he concluded.
