PUTRAJAYA: Drug-related crimes and substance abuse dominated discussions at the first National Security Conference 2024, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.He said many criminal activities often begin with drug problems.
“These issues often escalate to armed robbery, property crimes and even murder. The problems are closely intertwined. If drug-related crimes can be controlled early on, other criminal activities can be curbed as well.
“About 68% of prison inmates are those incarcerated for drug-related offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 or other relevant laws.
“Such issues can lead to societal problems, (an uptick) in criminal activity and prison overcrowding.
“The ripple effects are extensive, justifying the focus of this security conference under the Social Security cluster.
“Participants believe that it remains a critical security issue that the government must prioritise,” he said after the conference’s closing ceremony here yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said drug-related prisoners and inmates under the supervision of the National Anti-Drugs Agency are treated and rehabilitated, either in the community or through Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen).
He added that about 10,000 people are being rehabilitated in Puspen nationwide and another 70,000 via community programmes.
The National Security Conference aimed to holistically identify major security threats to the nation and public order based on data, and develop strategies to address these threats.
Divided into four clusters – Public Safety and Order, Border Security, Cybersecurity, and Social Security – the conference featured presentations from various government agencies, academics, NGOs and industry players. The event saw a total of 800 attendees.
Findings from the conference will be presented to the National Security Council and will guide the Home Ministry’s focal points for 2024.
These findings will also be included in the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 and serve as input for the 13th Malaysia Plan.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi, who later submitted the resolutions to Saifuddin Nasution.
According to Ruji, the conference collectively resolved that drug-related crimes and substance abuse are key issues.
He added that the participants agreed on the need for enhanced use of advanced technology, stronger cooperation between national and international security agencies, and the allocation of appropriate resources and funding to develop resilient, modern and high-tech infrastructure.
