KUANTAN: Outsiders including foreigners who temporarily move to stay in Felda schemes have been identified as among the 'culprits' contributing to drug abuse at the settlements.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said these 'floating migrants' were found to be responsible for drug trafficking.
"Besides some residents who might be involved in drug activities, the presence of 'floating migrants' have been identified as one of the factors for the drug demand in the Felda schemes.
"Last year, 236 individuals were arrested at Felda schemes across Pahang for their involvement in drug activities. The common drugs in Felda schemes are syabu, methamphetamine or Yaba, and Ecstasy," he said after opening the Pahang-level "Gempur Dadah" crime prevention programme at SMK Bukit Sagu here today.
Yahaya also said Felda schemes were perceived as associated with drug abuse despite numerous efforts to eradicate the drug menace.
"The 'Gempur Dadah' programme aims to educate the school-going generation across Pahang in the hope of stopping such a stigma.
"The police have teamed up with the education department and non-governmental organisations to create more awareness at school level.
"We have engaged former drug addicts to speak during the programme about the threat posed by the drugs," he said.
Yahaya said although the programme today was held at SMK Bukit Sagu here, another 41 schools located at Felda schemes in Pahang joined through the live-streaming platform.
"Today is the first step and more programmes will be held regularly at schools around Pahang," he said.