Pubdate: Tue, 15 Nov 2005 Source: Daily Express (Malaysia) Copyright: 2005 Daily Express Contact: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/feedback-form.cfm Website: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3635 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) SYABU ABUSE 'SERIOUS' IN SILAM, KUNAK, LD Kunak: Sabah Umno Youth Information Chief, Salleh Kalbi, said the drug addiction problem among local youths had become increasingly serious in the State. More alarming was the increasing number of students indulging in drug activities, he added. He said according to the National Narcotics Agency, the most notable kind of drug taken is Syabu (methampethamine), being widely used in the Silam area, involving Kunak and Lahad Datu. Salleh said this while officiating at the recent mini convocation ceremony of the Kunak district Kemas kindergartens, at the community centre here. He later presented certificates to 236 pre-schoolers representing six kindergartens from Cenderawasih, Getah, Kunak Jaya, Bagiang, Kunak Tiga and IPD Kunak. He said the anti-dadah enforcement agencies should not be pointed the accusing finger, as all quarters, including parents, should feel obliged to help stem out the scourge. Parents should monitor their children's movements and provide the necessary guidance towards their studies and character development, he said. He pointed out that poverty should not be used as a yardstick to stop their children from going to school, leaving the youngsters to resort to unhealthy habits for the lack of education. Education is an asset that could help mould the future prospects of the younger generation, he said. - ---