National Anti-Drug Agency Director-General Scrutinizes Concert Venues to Counter Drug Abuse
Unrealistic to Conduct Urine Tests at Concert Venues
National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Ruslin Jusoh has expressed concerns over the impracticality of conducting urine drug tests at concert venues. Speaking at the AADK monthly assembly at the agency’s headquarters in Kajang, he explained that urine tests cannot be done carelessly and take time to complete.
Focus on Increasing Presence and Enforcement Efforts
Ruslin emphasized that the agency is more focused on increasing its presence and enforcement efforts, as well as promoting anti-drug prevention campaign messages at concert venues. He suggested including anti-drug messaging on concert tickets and running anti-drug campaigns before events to prevent the entertainment industry from being associated with drugs.
Meeting with Event Organizers to Find Solution
Ruslin has committed to meeting with event organizers to find the best solution to the problem of drug abuse at concert venues. He emphasized that the agency does not want the entertainment industry to be associated with drugs, even if only a small number of people use them.
Statistics on Drug Abuse
According to Ruslin, the number of drug abuse cases up to September last year showed a 31.6% increase compared with the same period in 2023, with 169,691 offenders detected. He also revealed that people aged between 19 and 39 were the most involved in drug abuse, totalling 98,9777 or 53.8% of the total detected.
Most Commonly Abused Drugs
Ruslin disclosed that the most commonly abused drugs, accounting for 70%, are amphetamine-type stimulants such as methamphetamine and ecstasy, followed by opiate-type drugs.
Conclusion
The National Anti-Drug Agency is taking a proactive approach to address the issue of drug abuse at concert venues. By increasing its presence and enforcement efforts, promoting anti-drug prevention campaign messages, and meeting with event organizers, the agency aims to prevent the entertainment industry from being associated with drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why are urine tests impractical at concert venues?
A: Urine tests cannot be done carelessly and take time to complete, making it impractical to conduct them at concert venues. - Q: What is the agency’s focus in terms of addressing drug abuse at concert venues?
A: The agency is focused on increasing its presence and enforcement efforts, as well as promoting anti-drug prevention campaign messages at concert venues. - Q: What is the most common type of drug abused?
A: Amphetamine-type stimulants such as methamphetamine and ecstasy are the most commonly abused drugs, accounting for 70%.