Kuala Lumpur: The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is intensifying efforts to tackle social issues among youths, particularly drug abuse, through an integrated approach and strategic cooperation with various agencies. Its minister Hannah Yeoh said KBS is collaborating with Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) to develop holistic initiatives.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KBS has engaged with PDRM to discuss trends and concerns regarding this issue. This collaboration is part of an initial step to address drug abuse among youths. A press conference held after a briefing by HKL’s Psychiatry and Mental Health Department highlighted the ministry’s proactive approach in dealing with the problem.

The briefing aimed to plan and enhance advocacy efforts focused on four key components, namely the effects of substance use, drug consumption patterns, available treatment systems, and both outpatient and inpatient services along with intervention methods. The programme is designed to be interactive, educating youths on the dangers of drug abuse, ways to seek help, and the importance of psychosocial support through activities such as forums, simulations, and digital campaigns.

Based on data received, almost 50 per cent of drug abuse patients are young individuals aged between 15 and 30. Hannah Yeoh emphasized the need for awareness materials to help young people recognize the dangers of drug abuse and empower parents and peers on how to seek help when symptoms are noticed. KBS plans to expand cooperation with other government agencies such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and non-governmental organisations to further combat this issue.