Drug problems not only urban concern, but also rural, says Telang Usan rep

MIRI (Aug 29): Drug addiction is not only a problem faced in urban areas but also in rural areas, said Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau.

He noted that nowadays, drug problems not only happen in the city but also happen in the rural villages.

“This is where I got very worried because in the village, we don’t have policemen, we do not have people who take care of the safety of the villagers. Some drug addicts become very violent and can harm others.

“They may even kill others when they are under the influence of these ‘evil’ drugs,” said Dennis in his officiating address at the ‘Quit Drugs: A Journey of Transformation’ programme held at Curtin University yesterday.

The one-day programme was organised by the university in collaboration with Kenosis Sarawak.

In view of the worrying number of drug cases in the rural areas, Dennis hoped that more similar outreach programmes can also be organised in villages and rural areas.

“Probably, not many people know Kenosis very well. Thank God, Kenosis is set up in Sarawak, in Miri especially.

“They are carrying out drug rehabilitation and are complementing what the government is also doing. It is not an easy job, but through God, we can save a lot of lives.

“This is what I like to say – every illegal drug substance you put into your body brings you a step closer to death.

“Some parents come to us crying, asking us to please help send their son to the centre (Kenosis). Once you are a drug addict, you won’t even recognise your own parents and your parents come crying seeking help from us,” said Dennis.

He expressed his gratitude to Kenosis and Curtin Malaysia for organising the outreach programme which he described as something very meaningful for the community here.

“There is no good story about drugs. The future is yours, so study hard and don’t take drugs. If you have problem, talk to your lecturers or your parents. Drug is not the solution to your problem, but it will cause more problems.

“Let us together fight drugs, the number one enemy of the nation,” Dennis told students present at the programme.

At the function, he pledged to donate five sets of double-decker beds to Kenosis rehabilitation centre at Jalan Tanjong here.

Meanwhile, Curtin Malaysia Community Outreach manager Suwapa Jitman, who spoke earlier at the function, said the programme was organised to address the crucial issue of drug abuse as well as to support Kenosis in helping individuals and families impacted by drug addiction.

“My commitment to this cause is deeply personal. I have witnessed the immense pain of a friend whose child struggled with addiction, and I can only imagine the impact it would have on any family.

“This experience drives my dedication to helping others and supporting this vital initiative. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Kenosis Sarawak, Miri for the commendable work it is doing in rehabilitating young men impacted by drugs in our community,” she said.

The event also witnessed the donation of essential electrical items, including six wall fans, six exhaust fans and two industrial fans from Curtin Malaysia to Kenosis, to improve the comfort of inmates at the centre.

Suwapa added that Curtin Malaysia is also planning to address the inadequate sanitation at Kenosis.

“With 26 students and staff sharing only four toilets, we aim to involve students in designing modern, cost-effective toilets to further enhance living conditions.

“The concept may also set a standard for rural sanitation, potentially becoming an inspiration for similar facilities in rural areas,” she said further.

Also present at the programme were director of Operation Kenosis Sarawak, Pastor Robert Danor, and assistant director of Operation Kenosis Sarawak, Pastor Roy Agan.