NGO launches anti-drug drive

KUCHING: I-Youth Kuching is organising an Anti-Drug Education Campaign from June 11 to June 21, targetting schools and communities here.

Its project coordinator Timothy Bong said the campaign was aimed to support the government’s efforts to combat drug abuse in Sarawak.

Data from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) showing 2,433 drug abuse cases in the state from January to May last year, increasing to 2,855 cases for the same period this year.

“The Sarawak government has collaborated with NGOs to help drug addicts in recovery and to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.

“I-Youth is responding by conducting a 10-day anti-drug campaign for youth, students, and the community,” he told a press conference at the I-Youth Centre at Jalan Mendu, here today (June 11).

The campaign would feature David Hii, a former gangster leader and drug user, as a speaker.

“In 2022, Hii was the speaker for the Anti-Drug and Anti-Gambling programme organised by the State Social Welfare and Community Service Committee. This time, he will share his life story and educate young people about the different types of drugs and their health effects,” he added.

Hii’s participation would be assisted by his personal assistant, Joseph Ungkah, as a translator.

“By working closely with schools and communities to share information and join hands in the fight against drugs, we hope to reduce the drug problem and build a caring and healthy society,” he said.