SIBU: All members of the Fire and Rescue Department Zone 4 Sibu were confirmed free of any drug addiction after undergoing a surprise urine screening test.
The department head of zone Andy Alie said a total of 64 members, including 17 officers from Zone 4 and 47 members from Sungai Merah fire station had undergone the screening test held on Wednesday (Sept 11).
The test, conducted by the National Anti-Drug Agency Sibu division, was conducted at Sungai Merah station.
"The test results showed that all officers and members involved are free from drug abuse and prohibited substances," he said when contacted on Wednesday (Sept 11).
According to him, the urine screening is held annually to ensure that every firefighter is free from drug abuse.
The exercise is in accordance with General Circular No. 1 of 1985 which requires every government department to establish an Anti-Drug Committee to implement a programme to prevent and eradicate drug addiction among civil servants.
A surprise urine test is also mandated under a government directive to ensure that public officers are not involved in drug abuse, as provided under Regulation 7, Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
"We fully support the government's call to implement periodic and surprise urine screening tests to ensure all personnel are drug-free," said Andy.
He also said any officer found to be involved in drug abuse may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
