KOTA KINABALU: Drug prevention among the young needs early intervention and a shared effort in guidance and support, says Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki (pic).
She said parents, community leaders and religious institutions have important roles to play in ensuring that young people at risk get help before their problems become more serious.
She said those already facing problems or showing signs of drug abuse involvement should be guided, with efforts focused on rebuilding and engagement.
"We need to... build their confidence and keep them positively occupied, rather than simply punish them," she said at the Penampang district-level drug-free programme in Donggongon near here on Tuesday (Sept 22).
She said guidance could begin at home, with parents making an effort to communicate with their children, spend time with them and create opportunities for open conversations.
"Sometimes, something as simple as having dinner together can create that opportunity.
"When we sit down and eat together, put away our phones and talk to our children, we can find out what they are going through, give advice and strengthen our relationship with them.
"At the community level, we should not leave young people and their families to deal with these problems on their own.
"Where necessary, we should offer advice and support, and report serious matters to the authorities," she stressed.
Julita said the state government, through the Malaysian Drug Abuse Prevention Association (Pemadam), the Healthy Community, Nation Builder programme (Kospen) and other stakeholders carry out continuous drug prevention and awareness efforts.
Still, sustained intervention at grassroots level is also necessary, she noted.
Julita, who is also Sabah Pemadam chairman, said consistent efforts involving the government, families and communities are important in drug prevention and helping young people lead healthy and positive lives.
