Sibu: Sibu recorded a sharp 40.6% increase in drug and substance abuse cases in 2025, far exceeding the overall rise in Sarawak, prompting Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew to call for stronger enforcement, education, and community-based prevention efforts.
Citing figures provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Parliament, Ling said the number of individuals involved in drug and substance abuse in Sibu rose from 903 cases in 2024 to 1,270 cases in 2025, an increase of 367 cases. Across Sarawak, cases increased from 10,705 to 12,590 during the same period, representing a 17.6% rise.
Ling described the trend as worrying, saying it reflected a growing drug problem that requires a more comprehensive response from enforcement agencies, schools, and the wider community.
He highlighted Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), including methamphetamine, as the dominant drug threat in Sibu.
Ling also expressed concern over the sharp rise in first-time drug users. Parliamentary data showed new drug abuse cases in Sibu increased from 671 in 2024 to 1,093 in 2025, a 62.9% jump. While repeat drug abuse cases declined from 232 to 177, he said the surge in new users suggested that more young people were becoming involved with drugs.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Royal Malaysia Police and enforcement agencies in combating drug-related crimes, noting that police handled 261,868 drug-related cases nationwide in 2025 and seized drugs worth RM3.19 billion.
However, Ling said authorities, including the police and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), should intensify intelligence-led operations, target trafficking syndicates and high-risk areas, and strengthen cooperation with local communities.
He also urged the Ministry of Education to enhance anti-drug education in schools through more structured curricula, awareness campaigns, and educational programmes, stressing that prevention must begin early.
“Drug abuse is not solely an enforcement issue but a shared responsibility involving families, schools, government agencies and society,” he said, adding that collective action is essential to protect future generations and build safer communities.
