Cover image via Bernama
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Drug addiction among Malaysian children is becoming increasingly alarming, with cases reported in primary schools involving children as young as 10
Speaking to Bernama, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that drug dealers have been using a tactic of giving out sweets laced with drugs to lure young children.
"I have discussed this matter with the Ministry of Education and preschool institutions to curb this problem.
"Tackling this issue requires the collective efforts of teachers, parents and the entire community," he said.
As the chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Eradication of Drugs (JKMD), Zahid highlighted that various initiatives are underway, including strengthening prevention, rehabilitation, and more effective methods to combat drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) is calling for tougher, intelligence-led enforcement against syndicates targeting children
Its chairperson, Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, said the efforts must be paired with stronger parent–school partnerships to safeguard students, reported the New Straits Times.
"This means using undercover officers, targeted surveillance, and sophisticated data analysis to identify and track dealers who are known to operate near schools, parks, and community centres.
"The goal should be to dismantle the entire supply chain, not just arrest low-level dealers. Enforcement cannot work in a vacuum," she said.
She added that although enforcement can curb the supply of narcotics, protecting potential victims requires equally strong proactive, educational, and supportive measures.
