Former druggie shares experience with students
KAPIT: Convicted former drug abuser Leong Bon Huat shared his experience with SMK Kapit students yesterday.
Leong, who is now a wellknown anti- drug facilitator, spoke to students from Forms 3 to 5 during a talk organised by the Lions Club of Kapit and National Association for the Prevention of Drugs ( Pemadam) Kapit.
Originally from Marudi, Leong was a problem student, who got involved with gangsters to become a drug addict and pusher. After his arrest, he was sent to a drug rehabilitation centre in Miri, where he remained for 15 years. The experience changed his life as he began his studies and embraced Christianity.
“While at the rehabilitation centre, I was caned many times, but that was not the most painful. I never appreciated my mum earlier. She died while I was serving my sentence. Only then I realised the greatest love on earth was from mum. Every month, my mum paid me a visit until she died. All friends and relatives disappeared,” shared Leong.
“A true friend is someone who reports you to the police when you are involved in drugs. Undergoing the rehabilitation offered a new opportunity to turn over a new leaf. I can’t imagine if I stayed at large, probably I would have overdosed or been killed somewhere out there.” He stressed that those who have relatives or friends involved in drugs should not hesitate to report them to the police.
Leong, who is now a successful businessman in Bintulu, has travelled extensively throughout Sarawak to share his story.