Drug crimes, substance abuse need urgent govt attention, conference told

PUTRAJAYA: Drug-related crimes and substance abuse emerged as the central issues requiring urgent government action at the first National Security Conference 2024.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that drug-related offences dominated discussions at the conference, noting that many criminal activities often begin with drug problems.

“These issues often escalate to armed robbery, property crimes, and even murder. The problems are closely intertwined. If drug-related crimes can be controlled early on, other criminal activities can be curbed as well.

“Some 68% of prison inmates are incarcerated for drug-related offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and other related acts,” he said after the closing ceremony of the National Security Conference 2024, held at the Putrajaya Marriot Hotel on Monday (Sept 2).

The National Security Conference aims to holistically identify major security threats to the nation and public order based on data and develop strategies to address these threats.

Divided into four clusters — Public Safety and Order, Border Security, Cybersecurity, and Social Security — the conference featured presentations from various government agencies, academia, NGOs, and industry players. The event saw a total of 800 attendees.

Findings from the conference will be presented at the National Security Council (MKN) meeting and will guide the Home Ministry focal points for 2024.

These findings will also be included in the ministry’s Strategic Plan (PSKDN) for 2026 to 2030 and will serve as inputs for the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13).

The conference was officially inaugurated by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi, who later submitted the resolutions to Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The conference collectively resolved that drug-related crimes and substance abuse are the most pressing issues, encompassing smuggling and misuse, which pose severe implications for political, economic, and social stability.

The participants agreed on the need for enhanced use of advanced technology, strengthened cooperation between national and international security agencies, and the allocation of appropriate resources and funding to develop resilient, modern, and high-tech infrastructure.

They emphasised the importance of holistic treatment and rehabilitation programmes, strengthening the integrity of enforcement officers, and implementing public awareness programmes to encourage community involvement in security efforts.

When asked whether issues of integrity and corruption were addressed, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail assured that these remain a priority for the government, despite not being the main focus of this conference.

He confirmed that matters of integrity were indeed discussed among the 800 participants from various backgrounds and branches of national security.

“We allowed participants the freedom to share their perspectives,” he explained.

“So, was corruption discussed at the conference? Yes, it was, as part of our broader conversations about integrity,” he added.