Community leaders call for collective action against youth substance abuse

Community leaders and government officials in Malaysia and India are emphasizing the need for collective intervention to combat substance abuse among youth.

In Sabah, Malaysia, Minister of Women, Health and People’s Well-being Datuk Julita Majungki highlighted the importance of early intervention. Speaking at the Jom Sihat, Jom Bebas Dadah programme in Penampang, she urged parents and religious institutions to provide guidance and positive activities for at-risk youth rather than relying solely on punishment. The state government continues to support prevention through the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) and the KOSPEN programme.

In Nagaland, India, the Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakalu (SBAK) Youth Ministry, in partnership with the Social Welfare Department, organized a 75th Jubilee Rally to raise awareness about drugs and tobacco. During the event, officials called for stricter monitoring of alcohol and tobacco sales near educational institutions and encouraged the revival of traditional values to support the younger generation.