Ministry takes community issues seriously
MIRI: Bekenu in Subis District is among six places in Sarawak selected as a focus point area for the government’s ongoing campaign to totally eradicate drug abuse and related activities.
Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus said the campaign was implemented under ‘ Perangi Dadah HabisHabisan 3.0’ programme.
“The Sarawak government, under the Ministry of Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development, places serious concern on community issues especially those related to abuse of drugs and other dangerous substances.
“To tackle this problem, the Social Development Council had held a coordination workshop in Lawas last year to try to solve the issue.
“An Integrated Intervention Action Plan has been formulated to handle the drug problem in Sarawak,” she said when closing the ‘ Training of Trainers ( TOT) Combat-Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy and the Subis District-level launching of one- stop committee for handling drug and substance issue, at Bekenu community hall yesterday.
Rosey, who is also Bekenu assemblywoman, lauded the programme saying it would ensure that the roles of National Anti- Drug Agency (AADK) and Malaysia Drug Prevention Association ( Pemadam) could be further enhanced.
She added that the AADK would take the responsibility as lead agency to implement the six main elements in the antidrug campaign, one of which is about community empowerment.
“Community empowerment programme not only disseminates information and educate members of the public on the danger of abusing drug and other substances, but it also involves direct participation from the people themselves.
“The programme allows the people to map a plan, to implement the programme, conduct educational drug prevention programme, and provide treatment and rehabilitation within the community.”
Subis District Officer Jamalie Busri and Pemanca Ali Mudin were also present at the event.