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. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake