Drugs testing resources and different types of drugs on an exhibition panel.
IT IS easier to stay off than to get off!
This was the message police Narcotic Crime Investigations Department (NCID) state deputy head Superintendent Ravi Chandran stressed during an anti-drug campaign organised by the Selangor chapter of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF).
About 250 students and employees of three universities in Bandar Sunway — Sunway University, Monash University Malaysia and Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus — attended the event.
The campaign, organised in collaboration with Sunway University’s Group Security, Student Services Department, NICD, National Anti-Drug Agency (Nada) and Pengasih Malaysia, was also aimed at educating students and staff on the adverse effects of taking drugs as well as the consequences and punitive aspects from prevailing laws.
Illicit drugs have been the nation’s “number one enemy” as a threat to national security since 1983 and the consumption of drugs among students of institutions of higher learning continues to rise despite police efforts.
Addressing the phenomenon of drug use in Malaysia, especially among students, Supt Ravi Chandran said, “We have seen cases of students involved in drug-pushing activities, but what is more alarming is the fact that the information highway has caused students to question the illegality of drug abuse and blindly follow emerging trends that are detrimental to the individual and the nation’s future.”
He further emphasised that the age group of 19 to 39, who are the nation’s future leaders, comprised the highest percentage of drug abusers and it was crucial for students to equip themselves with knowledge to learn to cope with stress and discard the “herd mentality” by resisting peer pressure.
Subang Jaya police chief ACP Yahya Ramli, who launched the event, said, “Prevention is better than cure, and preventive education has to start early in order to adopt a zero tolerance stand against drug abuse. Youths play a crucial role in exerting positive peer influence which is a powerful force to keep youths away from drugs and to take the lead in spreading anti-drug abuse messages.”
During the event, Selangor MCPF exco member Dr Jossep Walther also stressed that drug abuse did not see colour, age or class, and it could happen anywhere and anytime.
There were also video presentations to educate students about truths and facts of drugs.
The campaign was a pioneer project undertaken by the Selangor MCPF.
Sunway Group Security will continue to support Selangor MCPF in organising similar campaigns throughout the institutions of higher learning in Selangor.
