BEAUFORT: The State Government has allocated RM2.3 million this year to strengthen drug prevention efforts through the expansion of the Public Sector TEKAD Programme and the empowerment of the Anti-Drug Squad (SKUAD Antidadah), reflecting its continued commitment to combating drug abuse in Sabah.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the allocation of RM2.3 million was approved through the 2026 Meeting on Action to Combat Drugs (MTMD), alongside various initiatives implemented by the Sabah National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
He said Sabah’s development was measured not only by economic growth and infrastructure progress but also by the well-being of families, community safety and the future of the younger generation.
“The drug menace must not be taken lightly because its impact goes beyond affecting an individual’s health and life. It also threatens family harmony, community safety and the state’s productivity.
“Behind every recorded statistic are individuals and families who need attention, guidance and support to build better lives,” he said when officiating the MADANI Kita 2026 Programme and the closing of the Beaufort Bagandang Festival at Dataran Bagandang here today.
Hajiji said AADK statistics showed that 130,307 individuals nationwide were recorded as drug addicts and abusers in the first half of 2026, a 3.4 per cent decrease from 134,916 in the corresponding period last year.
In Sabah, he said 5,269 individuals were recorded, representing a 0.02 per cent decrease compared with the same period last year.
Despite the decline, we cannot afford to be complacent because the drug menace continues to evolve, particularly involving synthetic drugs such as Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl,” he said.
He said serious attention must be given to young people aged between 19 and 39, as they were among the main drivers of the state’s development.
If they became involved in drug abuse, the consequences would not only jeopardise their future but also adversely affect their families, the economy and society.In this regard, he said emphasis must be placed on three main strategies to ensure the drug menace could be addressed more effectively.
The first strategy is to strengthen families and communities as the primary line of defence against drug abuse, including the role of parents in monitoring their children’s social interactions, recognising behavioural changes and fostering open communication within families.
At the same time, community leaders, youth associations and volunteers must expand positive activities to build strong character and protect young people from the influence of drugs.
Hajiji said these efforts must also reach rural, interior and island communities to ensure that geographical factors would not hinder access to anti-drug education, early intervention and government services.
The second strategy is to enhance enforcement and integrated cooperation among agencies, including AADK, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and other relevant agencies, through information sharing, intelligence gathering and joint operations to combat drug trafficking and dismantle syndicate networks.
He said firm action against drug traffickers and syndicates must be carried out alongside prevention and early intervention efforts to curb drug supply, reduce demand and prevent new cases.
The third strategy is to expand access to treatment, rehabilitation and employment opportunities to enable individuals struggling with drug addiction to regain their independence and lead productive lives.
“We must be firm against drug trafficking activities, but at the same time, provide opportunities for individuals who are striving to recover. They should not continue to be burdened by stigma that makes it difficult for them to reintegrate into their families and society. Instead, they must be guided, given a second chance and assisted in returning to contribute to national development,” he said.
Hajiji said initiatives implemented by AADK Sabah included the Drug-Free Aspiration Village Programme (KABD), FELDA Sejahtera MADANI Community Programme, Two-Wheeled AntiDrug Squad Roadshow, Drug-Free Aspiration Tour (JABD), Moto Day 9.0 and Ops Cegah Khas, as well as targeted actions in High-Risk Areas (KBT).
He hoped that close cooperation between the Federal Government, Sabah State Government, AADK, enforcement agencies and the community would translate into coordinated and effective action down to the grassroots level.
Hajiji also congratulated the organising committee for successfully reviving the Beaufort Bagandang Arts Festival, which was last held in 2016.
He said the revival of the festival would bring back the atmosphere and traditional Bagandang arts synonymous with the Beaufort community, while introducing the cultural heritage to people throughout Sabah.
The festival also served as a platform to prepare Beaufort for Visit Sabah Year 2027, while generating economic and social benefits for the community by providing business opportunities for local entrepreneurs through sales stalls and traditional tamu markets.
At the event, the Chief Minister also presented 247 land titles covering a total of 889.21 acres to villagers. Of the total, 24 were PANTAS land titles covering 77.51 acres, while the remaining 223 were ordinary Native Title (NT) land titles covering 811.7 acres.
