VOLUNTEERISM SPIRIT: Tiong (right) presents a certificate of appointment to So. At left is Lau and at right, Hu.
SIBU: The government needs more voluntary workers to complement its effort to fight drug abuse, said Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King.
Tiong said this would enable the nation to achieve its target of a drug-free society by year 2015 as envisioned by former prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“It is imperative that the government be assisted in addressing the drug problem.
“Drug abuse is still a big problem in this country, so the formation of the 1Malaysia Squad is timely in fighting it,” Tiong said at the closing ceremony of the 1Malaysia Squad Programme at the United Chinese Association’s premises here yesterday.
Members of the 1Malaysia Squad include Rakan Antidadah (Rada), Masyarakat Antidadah (Mawadah), JKPD Board of Visitors, Persatuan Alumni Agensi Anti-dadah Kebangsaan (Pendamai) and Persatuan Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS).
The overwhelming turnout for the programme showed Malaysians were a caring lot, Tiong said.
Also present were Sarawak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Hu Yu Siong, UCA president Datuk Lau Nai Ho, Drugs Recovery Committee central zone president So Teck Kee and Sarawak National Anti-Drug Agency assistant officer Suridah Saadi.
The programme to create greater awareness on the danger of drugs and help rehabilitate drug abusers was organised by Sibu District National Anti-drug Agency.
It was participated by 60 members of the 1Malaysia Squad.