United against drug abuse

Chow (seated, in the middle) and other guests watching Nurul Nabila Natasha Wahab, 16, play ‘sepak raga tuju’ with her team members at the closing ceremony of Penang Libas Dadah 2021 at Akira basketball court in Seberang Jaya. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

THE Penang government is committed to help any effort that is being made in the battle against drug abuse in the country.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said as patron of the state-level Malaysia Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), he often chaired the state Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meetings with strategic partners such as the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and other state or federal government agencies.

“This is important in creating synergy and strong collaboration to ensure a positive impact to the target group in the community,” he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Penang Libas Dadah 2021 programme in Seberang Jaya, Butterworth, on Saturday.

Chow said the Penang AADK informed him that the high-risk drug abuse area in sub-district 21 (Mukim 21) in central Seberang Prai was the main focus for the agency this year to turn it into a green zone.

He said the sub-district was identified as a red zone last year but it turned to yellow early this year, adding that it is expected to change to green zone by the end of the year.

The one-day event saw about 300 people participating in the programme, which included activities such as takraw chinlone (sepak raga tuju), Zumba and senamrobik.

Penang Pemadam honorary secretary Amir Md Ghazali said the event, which was held at the Akira basketball court, was organised by Penang Pemadam and assisted by non- governmental organisations and chinlone associations in Seberang Jaya and central Seberang Prai.

He said the event was conducted to create greater awareness among its members and the community to be more alert on drug abuse cases in the community.

“The programme, with its non contest-oriented format, was more of a leisure event that included various programmes such as spreading awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

“During the programme, parenthood talks were also conducted by AADK representatives to parents who attended the event,” he said.

Amir said Pemadam flags were also given out to Pemadam heads in all five districts in the state to ignite the spirit of unity among members in the fight against drug menace.The event was attended by state Pemadam chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, Seberang Prai City Council mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud, central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Shafee Abdul Samad and Penang AADK director Elmariah Chung.