Pubdate: Sat, 12 Nov 2005
Source: Daily Express (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2005 Daily Express
Contact: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/feedback_form.cfm
Website: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3635
Note: MAP Editor title

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO COMBAT DRUG MENACE

Shared responsibility to combat the drug menace, says Eric Menggatal: 
It is time the public changes the common perception that combating 
the drug menace rests solely with the authorities.

Sepanggar MP Eric Majimbun said it must be a shared responsibility 
between the public and enforcement authorities.

"I see that normally the public would point their fingers at 
enforcement authorities like the police when it comes to solving and 
handling crime cases, including those related to drug abuse, in their 
respective areas.

"We want the public to change this mindset. If we keep thinking that 
accountability only lies with the enforcement authority, then when 
will be the right time for the public to show their responsibility 
and serve society?" he asked.

Hence, Eric said, it is time for them to join hands with the 
authorities in fighting drug abuse.

He said this to reporters after closing an anti-drug abuse awareness 
programme at a community centre here, Thursday.

The first programme was organised by Pemadam Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu 
to disseminate information and create awareness among community 
leaders about drug problems in the city area and its negative impact 
on society.

He added that the public, including community leaders, should work 
together with the authorities in alerting them about the presence of 
drug addicts and pushers in their areas for immediate action.

As for drug problems in his parliamentary area, Eric said, the 
situation is under control as there are some neighbourhood watch (RT) 
and Rela members in several villages like Kg Kalansanan and Kg Warisan.

He disclosed that a Rela office in Telipok would also be in operation 
soon. Based on statistics from the Anti-Narcotics Agency from January 
to May and January to July this year, Eric said there was an increase 
of 56 new drug addicts from May to July.

"The January to May 2005 statistics showed that the total number of 
drug addicts was 1,173 and from January to July, the number rose to 1,229.

"Hence, in just two months, there was an increase of 56 addicts which 
means in average there would be 28 new drug addicts a month. Imagine 
how many drug addicts in a yearA he answer would be 336 new drug 
addicts," he said.

Meanwhile, City Hall Director-General-cum-Pemadam Bandaraya Kota 
Kinabalu chairperson, Dr Chua Kim Hing, urged the public to keep 
talking about drugs and its effects with family members and friends.

Stating this in his welcoming speech, he said actually the public 
play an important role in preventing drug abuse by spreading 
information they acquire from drug awareness programmes to their 
families, friends, students and acquaintances.

Chua also suggested to the participants to set up their own unit of 
Pemadam in small towns and villages like in Menggatal and Inanam that 
will be headed by their community leaders.

He assured that Pemadam Bandaraya KK would give special orientation 
and short courses to the chairperson and committee members of the 
unit so that they would know how to organise such seminars and talks.

He also proposed that assemblymen or MPs become advisers or patrons 
of the Pemadam units in their areas.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman