Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Kelab Persatuan Mencegah Dadah (Pemadam) is heightening efforts to maintain a drug-free campus.
It reflects a strong student response to the crippling of the largest drug trafficking syndicate in Sabah’s history.
More than three tonnes of illicit substances worth over RM240mil were seized by the police earlier this year in Op Coleoptera and Op Bayu 2 in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Sepanggar and Selangor.
Pemadam president Muhammad Eddry Sahirun said the bust highlighted the severity of the drug threat in Sabah and the urgent need for students to play an active role as grassroots prevention agents.
To combat the menace, the club has rolled out various awareness initiatives, including encouraging students to serve as the university’s “eyes and ears” in reporting suspicious activities.
Muhammad Eddry told Bernama several key programmes were organised this year, including the annual Viber Run and Pemadam Forge.
The club also ran its “Reset: Click Smart, Live Clean” campaign involving village communities around Kota Kinabalu and a “Generasi Tanpa Dadah” initiative for school students.
The third-year Psychology and Social Work faculty student added that while the response had been encouraging, sustaining consistent and active participation was a challenge.
Obstacles include a fear of punishment, the misconception that drug abuse only affects specific groups and a general lack of awareness regarding modern, discreet drug threats.
“Current concerning trends include synthetic drugs, vapes laced with illicit substances, the misuse of so-called ‘study drugs’ for academic purposes and online purchases.
“Educational approaches must be more modern and digitally driven to resonate with Generation Z.
“Leveraging social media platforms, organising engaging sports and arts programmes, and adopting communication styles that connect with youths are key,” he said.
He also stressed the need to expand the involvement of campus influencers to encourage students to participate in healthy activities, alongside stronger support from the university’s counselling unit and peer networks through a more rehabilitative rather than punitive approach.
“I hope club members will continue to play an active role in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs and serve as role models to their peers, encouraging them to reject drugs and support those in need as we work together to make UMS a drug-free campus.”
