SYABU ABUSE 'SERIOUS' IN SILAM, KUNAK, LD

Kunak: Sabah Umno Youth Information Chief, Salleh Kalbi, said the
drug addiction problem among local youths had become increasingly
serious in the State.

More alarming was the increasing number of students indulging in drug
activities, he added.

He said according to the National Narcotics Agency, the most notable
kind of drug taken is Syabu (methampethamine), being widely used in
the Silam area, involving Kunak and Lahad Datu.

Salleh said this while officiating at the recent mini convocation
ceremony of the Kunak district Kemas kindergartens, at the community
centre here.

He later presented certificates to 236 pre-schoolers representing six
kindergartens from Cenderawasih, Getah, Kunak Jaya, Bagiang, Kunak
Tiga and IPD Kunak.

He said the anti-dadah enforcement agencies should not be pointed the
accusing finger, as all quarters, including parents, should feel
obliged to help stem out the scourge.

Parents should monitor their children's movements and provide the
necessary guidance towards their studies and character development, he
said.

He pointed out that poverty should not be used as a yardstick to stop
their children from going to school, leaving the youngsters to resort
to unhealthy habits for the lack of education.

Education is an asset that could help mould the future prospects of
the younger generation, he said.