SIBU: People here have been reminded to take drug abuse in the community seriously, especially the use of the substance among the youth.
In making the call, Sibu Deputy Resident, Christopher Ranggau Unting said the people need to take a ‘jaga tepi kain orang’ attitude, meaning thy should take note of what’s going on in their neighborhood.
“If we practice an unwillingness to mind other’s business (problem), it will be hard to prevent this (drug abuse) at the early stages.
“However, if we all have a sense of responsibility, this drug problem could have been prevented by society before it got worse,” he said when officiating at the One Stop Committee Programme for Handling Drug and Substance (OSC MIDS) today.
Christopher added that the community should be aware of drug addiction symptoms and should not be ashamed to admit that if their children have those symptoms.
“If your children are having such symptoms please ask for help, don’t keep it to yourself just because you are ashamed of it. You might be able to help them before it’s too late,” he said.
He also urged the authorities to take drug abuse among the youth seriously as it can destroy the future, especially the young generation, while also paralyzing the physical and spiritual development of the people.
“We have heard a lot about the symptoms of drug abuse in society and addiction to syabu seems to be more and more prevalent here as various types of drugs have been confiscated.
“This scenario is very worrying because drugs will stimulate addicts to act more boldly and get out of control. As a result social cases in the community will increase,” he said.
Christopher expressed his gratitude and congratulations to Chinese community leaders, Sibu District Office, and Methodist Victory Home for their initiative in organising the programme.
Also present were Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association chairman, Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau.
