Pubdate: Sun, 27 Aug 2000 Source: Star, The (Malaysia) Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. Contact: 13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Website: http://www.thestar.com.my Author: Zarinah Daud LING: MAKE SURE CHILDREN ARE IN BED KEPALA BATAS: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik asked parents yesterday to check on their children even after they "had gone to bed''. He said some of these children would slip out from their bedrooms when their parents were sleeping only to return the next morning. "They will either go to the discotheques or sell Ecstasy pills to their friends,'' he said after meeting Kepala Batas MCA leaders at Penang Golf Resort here. Dr Ling said it was a serious social problem when children aged between 12 and 13 years frequented discotheques until 4am and skipped school the next day. He also said some entertainment outlets have defied the "deadline'' ruling imposed by local authorities by operating until the wee hours. "Local authorities should ensure that the operators do not flout the conditions stipulated in the permit as operating until early morning only encourages youngsters to take Ecstasy pills. "They can then dance for a long period until their eyes roll up,'' he said. Dr Ling thanked the police and other enforcement units for taking swift action to check the sales of Ecstasy pills which have dropped almost 50% since MCA highlighted the problem. On the anti-Ecstasy campaign in schools, Dr Ling said preparations were under way with a joint effort between MCA and the Education Ministry. He said it was imperative to mentally prepare students to say 'NO' to Ecstasy. "The posters are ready and teachers will talk about the danger of the pills during school assemblies once the campaign starts.'' - --- MAP posted-by: John Chase