(From second left to right) Dr. Wong, Ting, Wong, Tiong (third right), Andrew (right) getting ready to kick-start the programme.
SIBU: A huge number of people attended the `Charis Youth Anti-Drugs Performance’ that was held at Kingwood Hotel here on Saturday.
The event, officiated by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, formed part of the ‘Community Care Project 2015’ being held across the state from April 6 till 17.
It was organised by University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) in collaboration with the United Chinese Association (UCA) Youth Section, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Association of Churches of Sarawak (Sibu Branch).
The crowd, which included UCA president Ting Huat Chie, SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, SMC deputy chairman Datuk Andrew Wong, and organising chairman Dr Wong Sing Sing, was held agog by the lively performances of Charis Youth Rehabilitation Centre of Selangor members.
The performers, some of whom were former drug addicts, showed the dangers of drug abuse and its negative impacts on health, family and life in general. They also related how they escaped from the clutches of drugs to get back to the society.
Keeping the audience entertained throughout the night were popular local recording artistes Nick and Stella
Chung.
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry proposed to the government to conduct drug screening in schools beginning next year.
Deputy Home Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the ministry would bring the proposal to the Cabinet and Parliament for their approvals.
He said 63 per cent of the country’s 21,227 drug addicts last year were new addicts, and from the total figure, 70 per cent were aged between 18 and 39.