THE government has succeeded in reducing the rate of drug abuse and trafficking since the implementation of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985. Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the law had enabled the government to take appropriate action in the war against drugs. "Without this Act, the situation would become worse," he said in reply to a question by Sivarasa Rasiah (PKR-Subang).

NO PLANS TO STOP FUND

THE Higher Education Ministry will not abolish the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) as the fund is used to finance the studies of students offered places at institutions of higher learning. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin in replying to Tuan Taib Azamuddin Md Taib (PAS-Baling) said PTPTN ensured students from poor homes went to universities.

713 LOCALS IN FOREIGN JAILS

A TOTAL of 713 Malaysians are languishing in foreign jails for offences such as credit card fraud, human and drug trafficking from 2004 to last month. Of these, 231 were detained for drug-related offences in Latin America, China and Taiwan. In all, there are 162 men and 69 women. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said although Malaysia had adopted a policy of non-interference, it helped the detained Malaysians by ensuring their welfare was taken care of.