PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Security Conference 2024 agreed on a resolution to name drug and substance crimes as a top priority for the country.
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi said drug and substance crimes, including smuggling and abuse, had serious implications on the country's political, economic and social stability.
He said the resolution was made based on data and came after holistic discussions and presentations at the one-day conference.
He said the conference agreed on 11 strategies to address the issue.
"First, enhancing the use of advanced technology, such as drones, satellite surveillance and automatic detection systems, to tighten border controls, particularly in areas identified as high risk.
"Second, to strengthen cooperation between national and international security agencies to improve efficiency in monitoring and curbing drug smuggling activities at the border.
"Third, to allocate appropriate resources and funding to improve human capacity and infrastructure that are resilient, modern and high-tech.
"Fourth, to conduct more aggressive and integrated enforcement operations both domestically and internationally to combat smuggling crimes, especially those involving drugs and substances.
"Fifth, to empower holistic treatment and rehabilitation programmes," he said at the closing of the conference.
Present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Ruji said other strategies included strengthening the integrity of enforcement officers and reinforcing laws.
He said more public awareness programmes emphasising the importance of social security should be implemented and local communities should be encouraged to take part.
He said economic development should increase in border areas to reduce illegal activities and increase community involvement in border security efforts.
The Domestic Security Conference 2024 aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on security and public order threats using a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
Thirty papers were presented, covering four clusters: public safety and order, border security, cybersecurity and social security.
The conference includes a wrap-up forum by four cluster heads and a threat assessment by six evaluators.
A total of 800 participants from various backgrounds took part in the conference, including government agencies, academicians, security professionals, religious leaders and non-governmental organisations.