SIBU (May 15): The battle against drugs is not the work of the law enforcement alone but a shared responsibility of the community, said Sarawak Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.

In stating this, he emphasised that families serve as the first line of defence and should engage in open conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs.

He also highlighted the role of schools as a beacon of knowledge that could incorporate drug education and awareness programmes into their curriculum.

He added that community organisations could provide support networks and healthy alternatives such as sports, the arts, or volunteerism.

“Each individual can choose to say ‘No’ and refuse that first dangerous step. Thus, let us all unite to continue in saying ‘No’ to drugs as our guiding principle in life.

“We must never let drugs destroy our lives because they are our number one enemy of the whole society and our family,” he said.

He said this in his text speech, read by Councillor Kevin Lau at the launch of the ‘Say No to Drugs & Hotline Numbers, Posters and OSCA Posters’ programme held at Wei Kuok Hall yesterday.

Adding on, Tiang, who is Pelawan assemblyman, described drug abuse as ‘a silent epidemic that threatens the very fabric of our society’.

“It does not discriminate, and affects the young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural alike.

“In Sibu, we have seen too many promising lives disrupted, families torn apart, and futures cut short by the scourge of narcotics,” he said.

Tiang added that yesterday’s campaign is more than just a slogan; it is a lifeline which highlights that saying ‘No’ to drugs means choosing health over harm, community over chaos, and hope over despair.

“Each one of us has a role to play, whether as a parent guiding our children, a teacher inspiring our students, or friends looking out for one another at the workplace or in society. Our community prospers when we stand united.

“When a young person avoids peer pressure to experiment with drugs, they not only protect themselves but also set a positive example to others.

“When a neighbour reaches out to someone showing troubling signs, they may very well save a life,” he said.

As such, the deputy minister urged individuals to educate themselves and those around them about the real dangers of drug use.

“Engage with local programmes, attend workshops, volunteer, spread awareness on social media, and empower our youth by creating drug-free activities and safe spaces in our neighbourhood,” he said.

He also encouraged anyone in need to call the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) hotlines on 1-800-22-2235 or 0196262233, or the Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) Narcotics Investigation Unit on 0122087222.