Kelantan: The Kelantan state government will strengthen monitoring and enforcement at business premises to ensure they remain free from any drug-related activities. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman, Hilmi Abdullah, stated that although business licences are issued by local authorities, there is close collaboration with other government agencies such as the State Health Department and police.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hilmi Abdullah emphasized that if information about any suspicious activities, including drug use by workers at these premises, is received, immediate cooperation with the police, the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and other relevant agencies will be initiated for further action. He made these comments after attending the 7th World Conference on Exercise and Regenerative Medicine (WCERM).

Hilmi Abdullah’s remarks came in response to reports of a drug syndicate using restaurant businesses as a front to launder illegal proceeds. On Thursday, it was reported that police busted a syndicate distributing 35.4 kilogrammes of ‘pil kuda’ (amphetamine pills) worth RM5.04 million in six raids carried out in Pasir Mas and Tumpat.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department acting director, Datuk Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali, revealed that the syndicate used the drug proceeds to establish various businesses to launder their illicit earnings. Among the businesses identified were a seafood restaurant in Tanah Merah, a salon, and online enterprises.