by K. Kandiah

BUTTERWORTH, MALAYSIA - The number of drug-related criminal cases in Penang continues to rise with each passing year.

In the first five months of the year, 5,942 drug-related cases were identified, compared with 6,465 cases reported last year.

State National Anti-Drug Agency director Chew Kah Eng said yesterday that they were alarmed with the escalating figure.

"Among them are civil servants, factory operators and those in the construction, agriculture and fishing sectors," said Chew, adding that most of the addicts were between the ages of 19 and 40.

At the state-level International Anti-Drug Day 2008 at Sony Sports Complex in Seberang Jaya yesterday, Chew said the state government had established two centres on the mainland and island to provide assistance to dadah addicts as well as their immediate family members.
"Addicts in need of treatment can drop by at the centres and seek immediate assistance," she said.

Earlier, Seberang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Ariff Shah Omar Shah said smokers should kick their habit and use the money they spent on cigarettes on their family instead.

He said the recent fuel hike should be an ideal reason for them to stop smoking.