Kota Kinabalu: It has been 35 years since the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) set foot in Sabah, a period long enough to be considered matured in its fight against drugs. In addition to helping the Government implement anti-drug awareness programmes which become challenging as the years go by, Pemadam also shoulders a huge responsibility in its war against drugs for the welfare of the society, especially in Sabah.”On the part of the State Government, we always welcome efforts and initiatives taken by Pemadam over the years to address drug issues which may affect the welfare of the people, threaten the security and destroy the nation’s future,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.He said this when officiating Sabah Pemadam’s 35th anniversary at the Pacific Sutera, here, Thursday.His speech was read by Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad, who is also Pemadam national vice president and Sabah Pemadam Chairperson.
“It is well known that drugs bring many negative effects in various aspects of the community’s life.These include social, economic, administrative (aspects) and future of the country,” said Musa.He said in this context, it is important for all levels of society, especially the younger generation, to be healthy, progressive and citizens of quality who are free from the threat of drugs.”Combating substance abuse is important. If you want to see the future of a country, just look at its youths.”This means the success and development in various sectors cannot proceed if the young generation is involved in drug addiction.”Thus, I urge all parties to work together and assist in finding the best ways to address substance abuse in the country, especially Sabah,” he said.He also said advancement and sophisticated technology has now made threats from drugs more challenging.”This, however, has not dampened our spirit nor our continuous efforts and commitment to fight the nation’s number one enemy, but has instead improved monitor and preventive measures through various departments and agencies,” he said.Musa also pointed out the importance of awareness through mass media at school-level as well as village level.In this context, he emphasised that the people should not expect the Government’s efforts alone, adding that it requires awareness and concerted involvement from all stakeholders, including private sector, non-governmental organisations, parents, community leaders and the people.”Let us stand united in our effort to address and implement necessary approaches to deal with drug problems,” he said.Meanwhile, the ceremony also saw awards and certificates presented to those who have contributed to Pemadam since its establishment in Sabah in 1982.Among them was 79-year-old Datuk Ariah Tengku Ahmad, who was the first woman to hold the position of Pemadam Vice President at national-level.Also present were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed who is Pemadam President, Pemadam Deputy President Senator Dato Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Asnimar Sukardi and Community Development and Consumer Affairs Assistant Minister Datuk Anita Baranting who is Sabah Pemadam Vice Chairperson, among others. – Sherell Ann Jeffrey
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