(From left) Katrina, Hii and others in a photocall after the meeting.
SIBU: The Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) of Sibu Division wants concerted efforts from all quarters to eradicate the menace of drug abuse.
Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee said the war against drug abuse should not rest solely on the police and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
“We need the involvement of various government agencies and the local community including non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“We wish to emphasise community empowerment, building capacity and knowledge to fight the drug menace,” he said after chairing the first meeting of MTMD Sibu Division and the division-level celebration of National Anti-Dadah Day 2017 here recently.
Hii noted that the majority of those abusing drugs were between the ages of 19 and 40.
MTMD members comprise personnel from the Resident’s Office, the police, AADK, Education Department, Health Department, Welfare Department, Islamic bodies, Community Development Department, local councils and the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela).
Meanwhile, MTMD Sibu Division will hold a community empowerment symposium every year in May in conjunction with Anti-Dadah Day.
“This programme is in line with the AADK’s strategic plan for 2015–2020.
“We are organising the symposium with the cooperation of government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, local councillors, neighbourhood committees and village security and development committees (JKKKs).
“Through this half-day programme, we hope to get ourselves better equipped with the knowledge and skills to combat dadah,” Hii said.
Also present at the meeting were AADK Sarawak deputy director Katrina Ujin and Sibu District AADK officer Fazil Johari.