Bintulu Port sets benchmark in corporate anti-drug initiative

Borneo Post

01-08-2025

BINTULU (Aug 1): Corporate and private sector players are being encouraged to take a more proactive role in combating substance abuse by emulating Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), the first corporate body to establish its own Friends of the National Anti-Drugs Agency (Rakan AADK) group.
Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, who is former Sarawak AADK director, hailed BPHB's initiative as a model of corporate integrity and commitment to a safe, drug-free workplace.
'This move reflects the company's strong resolve to integrity in its daily operations and its drive to deliver quality services while minimising misconduct,' he said during the Bintulu Port Ethics Day programme yesterday.
He praised BPHB's leadership for fully supporting the government's integrity agenda under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and for spearheading the Rakan AADK programme.
'This is a visionary step. In the past, anti-drug committees were common in government departments, but what Bintulu Port is doing now goes further – they have formed an anti-drug entity within a corporative environment, which is very commendable,' he added.
Iskandar also emphasised that drug prevention efforts must extend beyond the workplace to include employees' families.
'This kind of top-level commitment ensures that integrity is not only preached but felt by all stakeholders,' he said, encouraging other private companies to emulate BPHB's efforts.
He acknowledged that substance abuse affects both the public and private sectors and highlighted AADK's collaboration with employers to conduct urine screenings during recruitment as a preventive measure.
Drawing from his experience in rehabilitation centres, Iskandar noted that many addiction cases stem from fragile family backgrounds, and expressed hope that BPHB's programme would include parent-focused sessions and family engagement activities to create a protective environment for children and youths.
He added that elected representatives must support these efforts by providing recreational and sports facilities, helping young people lead active, meaningful lives that steer them away from negative influences.
Meanwhile, Bintulu Port Group president and chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani expressed pride in the company's pioneering role.
'We initiated Rakan AADK as a preventive platform to foster awareness and engagement through talks, outreach, and continuous education. We aim to build a drug-free culture among our staff and their families,' he said.
Ruslan reiterated that substance misuse remains a major concern and stressed the need for inclusive, sustained efforts to protect the workforce and the surrounding community.