Pubdate: Sun, 22 Apr 2007 Source: Star, The (Malaysia) Copyright: 2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. Contact: http://www.thestar.com.my Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922 USING ARTISTES TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE DOES NOT WORK USING artistes like Datuk Siti Nurhaliza to campaign against drug abuse has been proven to be too expensive, said Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom. While it was not known if their involvement had any impact against drug abuse, the problem was worsening by the day, he said. He said as more than 80% of the addicts were Muslims, the National Drug Agency planned to hold outreach programmes in mosques starting this year. Mohd Johari said campaigns against drug abuse held in mosques would be more effective and inexpensive. "But first we need to change the mindset of mosque officials to accept those who have been rehabilitated back into society," he said after opening the 15th Annual General Meeting of the Kubang Pasu Mosque Officials Association at Kubang Pasu District Office Hall in Jitra yesterday. "There was a case where an Al Hafiz (a person who has memorised the entire content of the holy Quran) who was caught for a drug offence was shunned by mosque officials after he was treated at a drug rehabilitation centre," he said. Mohd Johari said recurrent cases were high because of the society's negative attitude towards former addicts. On the 131 police reports lodged against religious groups who incited hatred, Mohd Johari said action would be taken under the Internal Security Act against those who threatened national security. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman