Written Replies to Parliamentary Questions

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Whether Saliva Test Kits Will Be Used in Schools to Detect Students Abusing Cannabis

8 May 2023

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Question:

Mr Derrick Goh: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs in view of the worrying trend of youths abusing cannabis, whether the Ministry will consider introducing the new saliva test kits, which are easy-to-use and non-invasive, for use in schools to help with earlier detection and intervention of at-risk students.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) does not run drug screening programmes at schools.

2. It does however actively engage schools and other stakeholders such as parents and youth leaders, to provide them with anti-drug resources, including information toolkits and helplines. These aid them to identify and help youths who may exhibit early signs of drug abuse.