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| Abdul Karim looks at one of the health products of the Health Department at the exhibition. Hamsein is on his right. |
LUNDU: State PEMADAM Chairman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah commended Lundu District Office for taking a stance of not approving licence for any entertainment or gambling outlet in the town.
“I am glad to hear that the office is taking a firm stance in not approving licence for any entertainment or gambling outlet in Lundu, as these are places that will lead youths into social ills, such as drug abuse.
“However, as the area develops, the crime rate may rise and so too are people attempting to push drugs, particularly poor man’s drugs such as gum or cough syrup as we still do not have the laws to regulate these substances.
“Therefore, it is important to educate our youths about the dangers of drug abuse,” he said at the closing ceremony of Iman Drug-Free School Programme at SMK Lundu yesterday.
Abdul Karim noted that even though drug abuse was less worrying in Sarawak due to its geographical location that prevented easy entry of drugs into the state, there was the need for parents and schools to monitor the activities of youngsters.
“It may not be a very big problem in the state now, but we cannot be complacent. We still need to create awareness on the dangers. Drug abuse can destroy a nation. Once under the influence of drugs, individuals cannot think or work properly and thus will affect productivity and the economy.
“Parents need to monitor their children’s activities and schools are ideal avenues to hold awareness programmes.
“Community leaders must play their roles too. They have to be pro-active and know their areas well. They can also act as counsellors for families that may have domestic problems. When they help such families they also help the community,” he said.
Earlier, Lundu District Officer Hamsien Atar said the decision not to approve licences for entertainment and gambling outlets was meant to maintain the peace of the idyllic town.
“Our crime index is 0.017 according to the police and this is something we would like to maintain. We also want to ensure that our youths are safe from negative influences and social ills that will destroy their lives.
“In Lundu, we have about 120 members of Malaysia Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam). Together with other agencies, Pemadam here has organised many effective activities for the youths.
“We will ensure that all zones get this Iman Drug-Free School Programme so that the youths will be more aware of the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.
SMK Lundu has 1,700 students of various races. They are constantly involved in co-curricular activities including international and national events and also show excellence in the academics.
Also present were Parent-Teacher Association president Salaba Gajus and the principal Dr Nazamuddin Alias.
The Iman Drug-Free School Programme was organised by Pemadam, and featured talks by various agencies such as the Police, National Anti-drug Agency (AADK) and Health Department.
There was also an exhibition and drug detector dog demonstration by the narcotics unit of Customs Department.
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