Pubdate: Sun, 09 Dec 2007 Source: Daily Express (Malaysia) Copyright: 2007 Daily Express Contact: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/feedback_form.cfm Website: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3635 SABAH'S ADDICTS MOSTLY MARRIED MEN Tuaran: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said statistics from the National Drugs Information System (NADI) showed that most of the drug addicts detected in Sabah are married men. They are among 97.7 per cent of the male addicts throughout the country. In this respect, Hajiji regretted that drug addict husbands on Syabu are often more aggressive and violent, thereby exposing their wives and children to imminent danger. He hoped the people would respond positively to the programmes organised by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), such as parenting and religious talks, and futsal competitions for local youths in five mukims, could help deviate public attention to the drug scourge. Hajiji, who is Sulaman Assemblyman, said this while launching the Combat Drug Programme (Gempadah), in Tuaran town, Saturday morning. The event was aimed at promoting closer relations between the people and AADK and related agencies against the drug menace. He noted that 22 addicts were reported this year, compared to only seven last year. Despite small in number, the people at large should not take the situation for granted, he said. Meanwhile, district Wawasan Belia Association Chairman Norjaip Haji Dalip was the sole recipient of the district level Gempadah special award. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake