Number of new drug addicts continues to rise

NST: PUTRAJAYA: The number of drug addicts in the country continues to increase, with 4,814 new users and 6,103 relapse cases reported between January and May.
This brings to 295,989 the total number registered by the authorities as of May.
Some 10,470 new addicts were reported in the same period last year, indicating a 4.5 per cent increase this year.
Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said yesterday that Penang, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan had the highest number of addicts, most of them aged between 16 and 44.
Fu said a study by the National Drugs Agency revealed that 61 per cent became addicted due to the influence of peer groups, while 24 per cent got hooked out of curiosity.
"This shows the importance of the role of parents in keeping tabs on their children’s activities. Parents must know who their friends are, where they go, which discotheques they patronise. There is nothing like taking care of your children yourself," he said.
Among the addicts caught last year were 185 civil servants, mainly from the lower ranks.
"Although the number is small, the Government will take stern action against them, including having their services terminated. How can you discharge your duty as a responsible civil servant if you are hooked on drugs?
"If you are involved in the keeping of classified documents and you are an addict, you can threaten the nation’s security. The Government will not keep quiet. Those involved will be dealt with strictly."