Kuala lumpur: Malaysia needs a stronger whole-of-society approach to prevent drug abuse among children amid reports of increasing involvement among those as young as 10 to 14, as highlighted by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasized that the responsibility for addressing the issue must be shared among families, schools, communities, enforcement agencies, and the government, rather than placing the burden solely on parents.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee noted that drug abuse among children is driven by a combination of factors, including family circumstances, peer pressure, exposure to unhealthy environments, curiosity, emotional distress, and the influence of older individuals or groups. He advocated for a society-wide approach that includes stronger parental engagement, school-based prevention programs, counseling and mental health support, positive peer-led initiatives, community vigilance, and tougher enforcement against those who supply drugs to minors.
Lee described the increase in drug abuse among children as deeply alarming and a national wake-up call, raising fundamental questions about how young children gain access to drugs. While parents play a crucial role in monitoring their children's social circles and activities, Lee cautioned against solely blaming them, as some families themselves require support.
He highlighted peer influence as a critical factor, noting that children at that age are highly impressionable and could be pressured by friends or older youths to experiment with drugs. Lee urged schools to strengthen early identification and prevention efforts, equipping teachers and counselors to recognize warning signs and intervene before experimentation develops into dependency.
Emphasizing the importance of drug education, Lee stated that it should empower children to resist peer pressure, make responsible decisions, and seek help when facing emotional or social difficulties, rather than merely warning them about the dangers of drugs. He called on the AADK, along with the police, schools, health authorities, and community organizations, to intensify preventive programs in areas with rising involvement among children.
Lee stressed the importance of early intervention, asserting that it is far more effective than waiting until a child becomes addicted and requires rehabilitation. "We must act early because prevention at the age of 10 is far more effective than rehabilitation at the age of 20. The future of our children cannot be left to chance. Every child we prevent from entering the path of drug abuse is a life, a family, and a future we have helped to save," he concluded.