‘Don’t just rely on govt to fight drug menace’
SIBU: The local community should take charge and initiate their own actions together with the relevant agencies to fight the drug scourge, says Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee.
Hii, who is also Sibu Division Drug Eradication Action Council ( MTMD) chairman, made the suggestion during the Community Empowerment Symposium on Fighting Drug Menace here on Saturday.
“The important thing is to get away from the total reliance on government agencies like the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and police in fighting drugs. Rather, we should empower the community to take charge and initiate their own actions to join hands with the agencies to fight drugs.
“The community should take the initiative to be the ears and
The important thing is to get away from the total reliance on government agencies like the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and police in fighting drugs. Rather, we should empower the community to take charge and initiate their own actions to join hands with the agencies to fight drugs.
Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Resident
eyes of the government in fighting this drug menace. This includes observing possible drug abuse and reporting drug addicts, as well as organising awareness sessions among their own communities with AADK,” he said.
The event was organised by Sibu Division Drug Eradication Action Council together with Sibu, Selangau and Kanowit districts’ National Association for the Prevention of Drugs ( Pemadam), and attended by 350 participants including community leaders, and members of Komuniti 1M, Neighbourhood Watch groups and government departments.
Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) chairman and Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King officiated at the closing.
Hii said the symposium was the first of its kind organised by a Division Drug Eradication Council in Sarawak, and he hoped for it to be a yearly event to cater for different segments of people.
Tiong, meanwhile, pointed out that the symposium benefitted the people of Sibu as it raised awareness of the dangers posed by drugs and the necessity of combating the menace.
He admitted that drug-related problems were usually left to government agencies such as AADK and the police to handle.
“In fact, the topic of the symposium spells the urgency for the community to be empowered and work closely with the authorities in fighting drugs. This is because eradication of the drug menace requires a concerted effort,” he stressed.
Also present was state AADK director Wan Madihi Wan Salleh.