PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak stressed today it was very crucial for Malaysia to protect its children from the threats of drugs and substance abuse due to its very young population.

He said one was continuously challenged by the ever changing multi-facetted scourge of drug and substance abuse.

“The threat of opium, ganja or cannabis, morphine, heroine, alcohol, tobacco, glue-sniffing, designer drugs, ketum leaves, amphetamine-type stimulant, e-cigarette and vaping which are treacherous, vicious and dangerous ways destroy the social fabric of communities in particular of our young,” said he said.

The prime minister said this in his speech which was read by his principal private secretary Tan Sri Shukri Mohd Salleh at the launch of the 26th International Federation of Non-government Organisations (IFNGO) for the prevention of drug and substance abuse World Conference and 22nd Asean NGOs Workshop.

On Asean perspective, Najib said the regional grouping used to lead the world in the field of prevention and control of drug abuse.

“We were the first region to collectively declare war against drugs and enunciated our commitment to Asean Drug-Free 2015.

“Sadly now that we are approaching the end of 2015 none of the Asean nations has achieved drug-free status.

“I am heartened however to learn that this conference will make a comprehensive review of the problem and draw up action plans for the way forward,” the prime minister added.

He also paid tribute and recognised the indispensable role of NGOs in promoting drug free communities.

It was the dedication and commitment of people manifested through NGOs which combined with efforts of governments that provided the foundation and key to success, he added.-nst