Anti-drug message campaign planned for Khmer New Year
ATOP anti-drug official is calling for concerted efforts to raise public awareness around the dangers of certain controlled substances during the coming Khmer New Year holidays in mid-April.
National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) secretary-general Meas Vyrith has sent a batch of letters to state and private media outlets, provincial anti-drug committees, civil society organisations and other associations.
In a letter obtained by The Post on March 19, Vyrith noted that the NACD has asked the Ministry of Information’s General Department of Information and Broadcasting to further push for radio and TV stations and other media outlets nationwide to put out content during the holidays to educate the masses about the dangers of particular drugs. Khmer New Year falls on April 14 this year.
He also asked the heads of the Phnom Penh and provincial anti-drug committees to work with organisers of concerts and other entertainment venues to have their emcees, commentators and performers to promote anti-drug messages.
Vyrith called for banners with anti-drug slogans to be put up on provincial borders along major thoroughfares, as well as the entrances and exits of tourist attractions and entertainment venues.
He asked the heads of the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia and other relevant institutions to get the word out about the anti-drug campaign and remind the public of the potential risks associated with controlled substances.
The NACD boss also identified 21 themes around the anti-drug message, including that addiction is a treatable mental health condition; that addicts can be rehabilitated through family and community support; and that law enforcement officers are “necessary partners” for community-based drug treatment.
Phos Sovann, head of the ministry’s General Department of Information and Broadcasting, said his ministry had received the NACD’s request through Telegram and would be disseminating letters to media across the country urging them to help raise awareness about the dangers of drug use during the Khmer New Year.
“We will honour the request from the NACD – but we will not only educate people on the issue of drugs. We are also intending campaigns to address traffic accidents, HIV/ AIDS and the importance of a clean city, as we prepare to host the 2023 Southeast Asian Games,” he said.
Ly Samreth, Siem Reap deputy provincial governor, said his province had not only intended to run public awareness advertising around the New Year festivities, but had also done so on Anti-Drug Day. Banners and posters were specifically designed to educate the youth about the dangers of illegal drug use.
Local authorities also used other public events to warn the public, such as through the safe village-commune forums. Anti-drug messages would also be disseminated at all schools above the primary level.
“From secondary school and up, we have a plan to disseminate an educational programme right in school. It is not part of the official curriculum from the education ministry but a presentation tailor-made by anti-drug officials to ensure that students understand the effects of drug use, as people from the age of 10 are susceptible to drugs,” he said.