By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: Parents, community leaders and religious institutions have a vital role in guiding young people with drug-related problems, said Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
Drug prevention requires early intervention and shared effort to ensure at-risk youths get guidance and support before their problems worsen, she said.
Young people facing problems or showing signs of drug involvement should be approached and guided, with a focus on rebuilding confidence and keeping them engaged in positive activities.
“We need to approach them, guide them, give them advice and engage them in activities that can build their confidence and keep them positively occupied, rather than simply punishing them,” she said when officiating the Penampang district-level Jom Sihat, Jom Bebas Dadah programme at Buhavan Square, Donggongon.
Guidance must begin at home, with parents making a conscious effort to communicate, spend time with their children and create opportunities for open conversation, she said.
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 them advice and strengthen our relationship, she said.
Young people showing signs of drifting towards unhealthy activities should be encouraged to take part in constructive activities that build confidence and keep them meaningfully occupied, she said.
At the community level, families should not be left to deal with these problems alone, she said.
She said where necessary, we should approach them, offer advice and support, and report the matter to the authorities.
The State Government, through the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), the Healthy Community, Nation Builder programme (Kospen) and other stakeholders, continues to carry out prevention and awareness efforts, but sustained intervention at the grassroots level is also necessary, she said.
Consistent efforts involving government, families and communities are important to strengthen drug prevention and help young people lead healthier and more positive lives, said Julita, who is also Pemadam Sabah chairwoman.
Also present were Pemadam Sabah vice-chairwoman Datuk Rina Jainal, honorary secretary Datuk Maria Chong, treasurer Alijah Ismail, Pemadam Penampang chairwoman and Kospen Penampang chairwoman Noemi Dyena Jon Tren, Sabah Social Welfare Services Department director Jais Asri, Sabah Women’s Affairs Department director Haslina Ismail, Sabah National Unity and Integration Department director Rina AB Harun, and Michael Fadilah, representing Moyog assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.
Julita visiting one of the booths during the programme.
