KOTA KINABALU: Despite having no schools identified as hotspot for disciplinary and drug problems, the Sabah government assures it will keep a close watch, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad said.
Jainab said no schools from Sabah was listed when police revealed 402 schools nationwide were identified as hotspots on disciplinary issues and drug abuse. Of the figure, Selangor topped with 76 schools on the list followed by Johor (63), Negeri Sembilan (40), Pahang (37), and Penang (37).
“This clearly shows none of the schools in Sabah were listed but it doesn’t mean our students are not involved. We always monitor,” said Jainab in the state assembly sitting, here.
She was responding Datuk Charles O Pang Su Pin (BN-Karamunting) on whether schools in Sabah were among the hotspots identified by the government to have drugs problems.
Jainab noted the listed schools were mostly about disciplinary problems and only small numbers were involved in drug abuse.
“Of this figure, the total of students involved in disciplinary cases and considered hardcore is between 10 and 15 people for each school. They will be referred to a counselling teacher for intervention and rehabilitation process,” she said.
Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing (Parti Cinta Sabah-Tamparuli) then noted there were cases of students involved in glue sniffing and were suspended from schools in his constituency.
He questioned whether these schools were referred to the Ministry or relevant departments for follow-up assistance.
“We are aware of the use of glue but sadly there is no law saying the use of this substance is an offence. What will usually take place is these students will be given counselling.
“I also wish to stress that the role of parents, teachers, and community play important role to eradicate drug abuse and ensure our children are not involved in drugs,” Jainab stressed.