Sibu Pemanca stresses on continuous efforts to combat drug, substance abuse

SIBU (Oct 12): A community leader has called for continuous education, prevention, awareness, early intervention, and monitoring to counter drug and substance abuse.

Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association deputy chairman Pemanca Datuk Jason Tai made the call during the Jiwa Komuniti Madani programme at SMK Kwong Hua, Sungai Sadit here yesterday.

“According to the New Straits Times on April 11, 2023, there could be up to a million drug addicts in Malaysia, yet only around 137,000 have been identified by the authorities.

“Even more alarming is that approximately 50 per cent of new drug users are under 24 years old. These figures are not just numbers; they reflect the vulnerability of our youth to the grip of drugs.

“We must counter this with continuous education, prevention, awareness, early intervention, and monitoring. And that’s the mission of the ‘Program Jiwa Komuniti Madani’,” he said.

The programme was jointly rolled out by Sibu District Information Office and Komuniti Madani Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew.

“We are gathered here today to confront an issue of great concern in our society especially among our youth – drug and substance abuse,” said Tai.

He noted that some, especially young individuals, might experiment out of curiosity or for fun, while others might turn to drugs at parties or during stressful moments, believing that addiction is something that happens gradually and only to others.

“But here’s a wake-up call: trying drugs even once can quickly escalate into full-blown addiction. Drugs like methamphetamine, cannabis, and heroin – commonly abused substances in Malaysia – can seize control swiftly and completely.”

He reminded that drug addiction not only destroys individuals but also tears apart families and communities.

“To the young students here today, remember this: you are the future, our hope, and we cannot afford to lose you to the scourge of drugs. It is vital that we come together as families, communities, and a nation to stop this from happening.”

To parents, teachers and mentors, Tai called on them to remain vigilant, stressing on the need to spot the early signs of drug use and step in before it turns into addiction.

Meanwhile, Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) councillor Kevin Lau said Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association and its leadership have been committed to promoting anti-drug awareness campaigns over the years, especially in schools.

Also speaking at the function were SMK Kwong Hua senior assistant 1 Simon Loo and Sibu District Information officer Zaidi Morshidi.