Ling (left) visiting Panti Bird Sanctuary in Kota Tinggi, Johor.
OVER RM1mil was allocated in the fight against drugs this year in Johor.
State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said based on a 2023 report, Johor had 17 drugs hotspots.
“The state government aimed to transform these red zones into green zones within a year,” he said.
To achieve this, an allocation of RM1.13mil was approved in the 2024 state budget.
Ling said due to stringent enforcement by authorities and strong community involvement, progress has been observed.
“As of September this year, 16 areas have successfully transitioned from red zones to green, with only Plentong remaining in the yellow zone,” he said in a statement after attending an anti-drugs meeting at Bangunan Dato Jaafar in Kota Iskandar.
Also present were representatives from various enforcement agencies such as the police, Customs Department, Immigration Department, Prison Department and local councils.
Native black-and-yellow broadbill (left) and Rufous-collared kingfisher (right) can be found at Panti Forest Reserve. — Photos: Courtesy of Nest Society Malaysia
During the meeting, Ling said the police reported that between January and June this year, 12,678 individuals were arrested in connection with drug-related offences.
“A total of 1,558 individuals were detained under Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, while 3,066 were arrested for drug possession and 8,054 were arrested after testing positive for drugs.
“It was revealed that 92.38% of those arrested were male and 7.62% were female.
“A total of 93.89% of those arrested have been investigated and prosecuted,” he said.
Ling said the police, in collaboration with National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), were steadfast in their efforts to combat drug offences in Johor.
“They will continue to conduct enforcement operations to ensure the state remains free from drug abuse.”
In an unrelated matter, Ling said the state government planned to continue promoting Panti Bird Sanctuary in Kota Tinggi by holding more international events there.
“Since January this year, the sanctuary has welcomed about 5,000 visitors.
“Located within the Panti Forest Reserve, it is home to over 300 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers,” he told StarMetro.
To visit the sanctuary, visitors must obtain a permit from the Forestry Department at least three days in advance.
The permit fee is RM30 for foreigners and RM10 for locals.
“The sanctuary has various facilities, including a bird exhibition hall, forest path and watch tower.
“There are ongoing plans to further enhance these facilities to make the sanctuary a major attraction during Visit Johor Year 2026,” said Ling who is also Yong Peng assemblyman.
