Pubdate: Sun, 20 May 2001
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2001 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com.my
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922

STUDY ON DRIVERS ON DRUGS

JOHOR BARU: The Transport Ministry will look into the reasons and the types 
of drugs popularly used by commercial vehicle drivers.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik said further inquiries would be 
conducted on those tested positive for such drug abuse to ascertain the 
type of drugs that they consume.

"We need to know if they are seriously hooked on to drugs or are just 
consuming energy drinks to keep them awake through late night duties.

"We are very concerned that many drivers were tested positive. To get rid 
of the problem we need to know the root cause of it.

"The ministry will ask for a detailed report from the Road Transport and 
Narcotics Departments," he said when visiting the Tebrau MCA office.

Dr Ling was responding to recent reports that 17%, or 1,205 out of 7,000 
commercial vehicle drivers checked for drug abuse nationwide, tested positive.

The drivers were checked during operations conducted jointly by the JPJ and 
the Narcotics Department from April 1 to April 3 and between May 13 and May 17.

There are about 700,000 registered commercial vehicle drivers in the country.

Dr Ling commended the joint efforts in setting up road blocks to check drug 
abuse, adding that the operations should be intensified to collect a bigger 
pool of samples.

"The tested drivers represented just a fraction of the entire workforce. We 
need more samples to paint a true picture of the whole situation.

"More roadblocks will also serve as a warning and reminder to drivers that 
enforcement teams are looking out for drug abuse offenders, thus, the move 
is also preventive in nature," he said.

On Friday night in Malacca--during a dinner to honour victorious 
bodybuilders--Dr Ling, who is also the Malaysian Bodybuilders Federation 
president, said the sport should be popularised in schools so that Malaysia 
could win more medals.

"Like any other sports it should start in schools."

Dr Ling was also given the International Federation of Body Builders' 
Golden Order Highest Award medal for organising the World Bodybuilding 
Championship last year.

He said Malaysia also won two other international titles--The Best 
Bodybuilder of the 20th Century in Asia and The Best Organiser of The Year 
2000 titles.

Malacca Bodybuilders and Weight Lifters Association chairman Datuk Wira Gan 
Boon Leong won the national sports leadership title for his contributions 
to the sport.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager