PERLIS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN RELIGIOUS PROGRAMMES TO ADDRESS SOCIAL ISSUES

KANGAR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The Perlis government plans to strengthen religious-based programmes as part of efforts to address social issues, particularly drug and alcohol addiction problems in the state.

Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli stated that Perlis ranks as the third state on the list for high drug abuse rates, based on population ratios. He emphasised that a proactive approach is necessary to address this pressing issue.

“We must learn from this report and not turn a blind eye to the situation. It has been noted that we have a significant number of addicts, and therefore, we must take proactive steps.

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“We must adopt an approach that, although it may not completely solve the issue, will help reduce social problems. Insya-Allah, with religious awareness, these issues can be mitigated,” he added.

He said this when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address at the state assembly sitting here today.

Mohd Shukri also reiterated that electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vapes had been banned by the Perlis Fatwa Committee, and he urged the public to abandon their use, as they could potentially lead to drug abuse.

“There’s no point in using vapes because if you use something that is haram (forbidden), you will be committing a sin,” he said.

Yesterday, Mohd Shukri reportedly said that the state government would ban the sale of vapes, which are increasingly seen as a threat, especially to young people, including school students.

This decision follows two disturbing incidents involving vaping: one in which a Form Two student was injured after falling from a school roof, allegedly due to hallucinations from vaping, and another involving a Form Three student who suffered a seizure after reportedly smoking a vape in a school toilet.

The state assembly sitting was adjourned sine die.

-- BERNAMA