KUCHING: Sarawak Energy recently held a social awareness programme on teenage pregnancy and the effects of drugs abuse for students in Kapit.
The one-day programme, organised jointly with the Kapit District Education Office and SMK Kapit No. 2, was attended by students from 10 schools; SMK Kapit No. 2, SMK Kapit No. 1, SMK Selirik, SK Kapit, SK Kampung Baru, SK Methodist, SK Lepong Balleh, SK Sg Kapit, SK Sg Amang and SJKC Hock Lam.
Topics covered included talks on teenage pregnancy and the effects of drug abuse among the youth. Students were given insight on the consequences and measures against social ills.
Among the speakers were officers from National Anti-Drugs Agency, Royal Malaysian Police — Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, Sarawak Welfare Department and Kapit Hospital.
General manager for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Jiwari Abdullah said Sarawak Energy organised the programme following requests from engagements with the community to create greater awareness on social issues.
“We hope this effort will contribute towards better understanding of the consequences of both drug abuse and teenage pregnancy cases in schools and lead to a drop in such cases especially in Kapit area.
“We are committed towards supporting the collective efforts by other agencies on minimising those issues as these problems not only affect the youth but the community in general,” Jiwari said.
Meanwhile, students said the programme was very informative and left with better understanding of the issues, the consequences and prevention measures. Hendry Thomas from SMK Kapit No. 2 said the programme imparted many new understanding and knowledge on the issues of teenage pregnancy and drug abuse through interesting presentation formats by the various agencies.
Both teachers and parents also discussed their roles and responsibilities in combating social problems with Kapit community leader Pemancha Steward Sawing, at a special session held during the programme.
Sarawak Energy organised drug abuse awareness programme in May last year at SMK Kapit No. 1 attended by students from three secondary and six primary schools.
Other educational programmes organised for students included Program Jalinan Mesra Peribumi — designed to provide guidance at examination answering techniques and skills for primary six pupils sitting for their Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (PSR) held at SK Temenggong Koh last year and SK Sg. Tunoh this year.
