SIBU, March 1: The war against drug and substance abuse and addiction is not just only the responsibility of the government but also every strata of society.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ project here today, Assistant Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang said all parties should work together to curb drug abuse and human trafficking activities.
“Premier (Datuk Patinggi) Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has always said that the government cannot work alone to eradicate drug abuse. So the people should participate in whatever way they can in the cause,” he said.
In view of this, Tiang commended the collaboration between the One-Stop Committee for Addressing the Issues of Drugs and Substance (OCS MIDS) which headed by Sibu District Office, relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The NGOs involved in the project include Caritas Sibu, Malaysian Relief Agency, Sibu, Methodist Pilley Institute, and Sibu Victory Home.
As the collaboration between these bodies was a smart partnership, the Pelawan assemblyman said it showed that all should not be left behind in the war against drug abuse.
Tiang also touched on the link between drug trafficking and human trafficking.
“While drugs are the appetizer, human trafficking is the main course. Drug traffickers see both drugs and sex as lucrative businesses and the link between human trafficking and opioids goes both ways,” he said,
Tiang urged the public to lodge reports with the relevant authorities should they come across any instance of drug abuse or human trafficking activity.
Members of the public may call the 24-hour National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) hotline at 019 626 2233 and the MAPO Hotline for human Trafficking at 03 8000 8000.
Event organising chairwoman Eta Ting said the rationale for choosing the theme, “Drugs Kill Dreams” was to get the people to come together to organise better and safer ways to curb drug and substance abuse addiction in society. — DayakDaily
