Pubdate: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 Source: Star, The (Malaysia) Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. Contact: 13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Website: http://www.thestar.com.my TAMPIN, BROGA POTENTIAL SPOTS FOR ECSTASY SCOURGE, SAYS LING JOHOR BARU: Tampin, with one part in Negri Sembilan and the other in Malacca, is typical of towns where state boundaries overlap and vice thrives. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik, who singled out Tampin and Broga (at the Negri Sembilan-Selangor border) as potential danger spots for the Ecstasy scourge and other unhealthy activities, said the authorities in the areas must be serious about wiping out such menaces. He said that when he visited the Negri Sembilan side of Tampin recently, he was satisfied that the town was free from Ecstasy and illegal gaming activities. "This shows the effectiveness of their enforcement exercise,'' he said. However, Dr Ling said the scenario of the town on the Malacca side was different. "Some of the entertainment outlets and video arcades there are flouting the law. "Operators of these outlets have failed to follow regulations requiring them to close by 1am. "Such malpractice will encourage Ecstasy pills to be sold, especially to youngsters,'' he said after attending the MCA Pulai Division 51st anniversary dinner on Sunday. Dr Ling, who is also Transport Minister, said a similar situation existed at Broga town. "Five years ago, without Ecstasy, these discos survived. "Why is it that we now allow peddlers and pushers to sell these pills which can wipe out a whole generation? "We do not need this kind of social ill in our society. "I hope the police and the authorities concerned will look into the matter seriously,'' he said. Dr Ling also voiced his concern about video arcades which he said were nothing more than gambling dens to attract the youth. He added that Malay youths were now getting involved in such illegal activities. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake