Pubdate: Sat, 19 Jan 2008 Source: Borneo Bulletin (Brunei) Copyright: 2008 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd. Contact: http://www.brunei-online.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3514 Author: Liza Mohd DRUG-BUSTING AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL Citing that the drugs situation in Brunei Darussalam was a great menace to the country, Deputy Director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Haji Abdul Aziz bin OKMB Hj Othman launched the 'Commitment to Life - Growing Up Drugs Free' exhibition in Seria at the Oil and Gas Discovery centre yesterday. The exhibition was part of a project in partnership between NCB and Adinin Group of Companies (AGC) to ensure that all employees are free from drugs and alcohol abuse. The programme will require continuous support, commitment and funds, but the loss of a skilled and qualified employee to the evil of drug abuse cannot measure up. Haji Abdul Aziz in launching the exhibition observed that a drug abuser may not necessarily be unemployed, uneducated, poor or a lost soul; the compulsion could extend to a parent, child, an educated person or even a qualified working individual. Therefore he said the workplace programme is believed to be a measure taken to prevent our colleagues at work from the threat of drug abuse; to familiarise the employees of its dangers and to establish a drugs free working community and environment. He cited that disseminating anti-drug message need to be executed effectively to reach all spectrum of community, NCB alone would not be able to achieve it. "We need partnership especially with private sectors to help us promote anti-drug awareness message and campaign." The initiatives taken by AGC is a good example of what NCB is targeting, which is also part of its strategic plan to strengthen public awareness and participation in anti-drug programmes to diminish the demand for drug abuse. The exhibition is NCB's first partnership with a private company towards taking a step to combat the menace of drugs abuse by promoting a safer workplace. The Deputy Director expressed hope that this very first drug-free workplace programme will pave ways for many other private and public organisations to take similar initiatives. Meanwhile AGC Chairman Haji Adinin bin Pehin Dato Haji Ibrahim emphasised on its zero-tolerance to drugs, alcohol and substance abuse and to support that, the company has implemented policies to ensure that this abuse is strictly prohibited. He noted that the core of the policy is drug testing and any sort of abuse is deemed as a serious offence which could lead to immediate dismissal. The policy he added is an effective prevention tool which allows us to attract high calibre employees and serve as a deterrent to others. As alcohol, drug and substance abuse constitutes a serious workplace safety hazard which could lead to accidents, injuries and death, the company will take the extra mile in formulating plans to educate employees and public on the role that everyone can take to proactively educate the younger generation, he added. Stressing that the greatest benefit from a drugs free workplace is not financial, the Deputy Director said whatever the nature of one's business; drugs, alcohol and substance abuse cost time, effort, people and profits. The highlight of the event was the AGC policy handover marking the work place programme induction by the guest of honour followed by a stage performance by AGC staff to illustrate response and action taken by the company in the event that an employee is suspected of drug abuse. Guests were also taken aback with a whipping demonstration by the Prison's Department to portray punishments of various drug abuses. With the launch of workplace programme, both organisations will join hands and pledge their commitment to grow up 'drugs-free'. The collaboration will also witness the enforcement of random urine testing and organise joint talks, family days and other activities which lead to a healthy lifestyle of their employees and respective families. The exhibition takes place at the OGDC gallery from 9 am to 4 pm starting yesterday and today. It involved participation from the NCB, AGC, Prisons department, Sekolah Menengah PAP Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Lumut and Belait Health Department. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake