08-05-2025
Community, authorities' involvement vital in combating drugs, says Pemadam Bintulu chief
Awang Mohammed Nizam (centre) and the committee members pose for a group photo after the meeting.
BINTULU (May 9): Enforcement agencies and the local community must continue working hand in hand in the fight against drug abuse, particularly in both urban and rural areas, said Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) Bintulu District chairman Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Bohan.
He called on community leaders across various ethnic groups, including the Malay, Iban, and Chinese communities, to play a proactive role in disseminating anti-drug messages through creative and culturally relevant approaches.
'The fight against drugs should not be borne solely by the authorities. It requires active community participation to serve as the eyes and ears in monitoring and reporting drug-related activities,' he said.
Awang Mohammed Nizam, who is also the Bintulu District Officer, made these remarks as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) during the Pemadam Bintulu District annual general meeting on Wednesday at the Sri Bintulu Meeting Room, Bintulu Resident's Office.
He reiterated Pemadam Bintulu's District commitment to strengthening awareness campaigns throughout the year, with several initiatives and activities already in the pipeline and to be announced soon.
'Volunteerism within the community is key to the success of drug prevention efforts. It makes the community a crucial support system for the authorities in safeguarding public well-being,' he added.
Also present at the meeting were Pemadam Bintulu District secretary Latifah Moksen, deputy chairman Kaderi Yusof, women's vice chairperson Noriha Ali, and Inspector Stanford Peter from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Bintulu District Police Headquarters.
Inspector Stanford shared the latest drug-related statistics in Bintulu District, highlighting a significant drop in arrests involving various types of drugs from January to April 2025 compared to the previous year.
He attributed this positive development to the strong collaboration among multiple stakeholders in the ongoing efforts to curb drug-related activities. Bintulu drugs lead Pemadam
