Latest news with #Kelantan-level
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
MOTAC intensifies haj and umrah scam awareness campaigns in Malaysia
TUMPAT: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is ramping up public awareness initiatives to combat haj and umrah scams, ensuring Malaysians are better informed against fraudulent operators. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot emphasised the ministry's role in educating the public, despite haj administration being under Lembaga Tabung Haji's purview. 'Our priority is to prevent scams, especially during peak travel seasons,' he said. Speaking at the Kelantan-level Citrawarna Siam Malaysia Festival 2025 at Wat Machimmaram, Shaharuddin noted recurring fraud cases and stressed the importance of public vigilance. 'Awareness helps people identify legitimate services,' he added. MOTAC has revoked licences of fraudulent companies and suspended others as part of strict enforcement measures. 'We will not tolerate such misconduct,' Shaharuddin affirmed.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Motac continues awareness campaigns to curb haj, umrah scams
TUMPAT: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) will continue to carry out awareness campaigns to prevent the public from falling victim to haj and umrah-related scams. Motac secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said that although haj affairs fall under the jurisdiction of Lembaga Tabung Haji, the ministry works closely with the board to tackle the growing number of fraud cases. "For Motac, our focus is on educating the public so they do not fall for these scams, including those related to umrah. "This issue occurs every year, and public awareness is crucial in helping people distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent operators," he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan-level Citrawarna Siam Malaysia Festival 2025 at Wat Machimmaram here last night. Shaharuddin said Motac has taken stern action against companies found to be involved in such fraudulent activities. "We have revoked the licences of several companies, while some have been suspended. Motac remains committed to strict enforcement to prevent a recurrence of such cases," he said. – BERNAMA
The Sun
19-06-2025
- The Sun
Drug abuse down in Kelantan, but youth still most at risk
KOTA BHARU: Drug abuse in Kelantan fell by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of this year, but youth remain the most vulnerable group, continuing to account for the highest number of cases involving illegal substances. Kelantan National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director Supindi Usop said 66 percent of all cases involved individuals aged between 15 and 39, making up the largest group in the state's statistics. He said this trend is worrying as it involves the younger generation, who should be the nation's future asset. Supindi said Kelantan recorded 11,280 drug abuse cases as of March, compared to 11,928 cases in the same period last year, placing the state fourth highest in Malaysia. 'A total of 5,787 individuals are undergoing rehabilitation at three centres across the state, with 97 percent of them involved in the abuse of methamphetamine pills (pil kuda),' he told Bernama at the Kelantan-level 2025 National Anti-Drug Day event today. Even more concerning, 114 teenagers under the age of 18 were found to be involved in drug abuse, with 94 currently undergoing voluntary treatment at the Pengkalan Chepa Rehabilitation Centre and 20 at the centre in Bachok, Supindi revealed. 'We've observed that more parents are becoming aware and are proactively sending their children for voluntary treatment. This is a positive step towards breaking the cycle of early addiction,' he said. On the factors contributing to the decline, Supindi explained that one key reason was the closure of illegal entry points along the Malaysia-Thailand border since last December, which has helped curb the inflow of drugs. Meanwhile, Kelantan Youth, Sports, NGOs and Community Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad, who also heads the state chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), said that despite the drop in numbers, the overall figures remain high and concerning. 'Prevention, enforcement and awareness education must be intensified. We cannot afford to be complacent just because the statistics show a decline,' he emphasised. He added that Pemadam will organise a six-month strategic workshop starting at the end of this month in Pasir Mas, in collaboration with various enforcement agencies and local communities.
