Malaysians as young as 10 becoming drug addicts: DPM Zahid

Dealers offering free sweets laced with drugs to entice young children, he says

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Drug addiction is now claiming as victims children as young as 10 in primary schools, revealed Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi.

Datuk Seri Zahid expressed deep concern about this serious threat, highlighting a particularly sinister tactic employed by dealers, who offer free sweets laced with drugs to entice young children.

“I have discussed this matter with the Education Ministry and preschool institutions to curb this problem.

“Tackling this issue requires the collective effort of teachers, parents and the entire community,” he said in a recent exclusive interview with Bernama.

Dr Zahid, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Eradication of Drugs, said various initiatives were being implemented to tackle the larger-scale issue, including learning better methods to combat trafficking, alongside prevention and rehabilitation efforts.