Anti-drugs campaign ends in Belait

THE Narcotics Control Bureau collaborated with a local company to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse during a two-day exhibition on anti-drugs at workplace campaign, which concluded yesterday.

The exhibition which took place at Belait District Municipal Hall was a joint collaboration between Mashhor General Contractor Offshore Painting Services and Narcotics Control Bureau.

Mashhor General Contractor Operations Director Malai Hj Abu Sufian Hj Malai Mashor said that the campaign gave an opportunity for the bureau to provide guidelines in handling drug abuse issues in an effective manner.

Mashor General Contractor Sdn Bhd is the second company to launch such a programme to support the government's aspirations in educating and increasing public awareness on drug abuse this year.

Pg Hj Ali Pg Samsudin, senior narcotics officer from Kuala Belait's Head of Drug Education Unit, hoped that the company can carry out future anti-drug programmes which will be monitored by the bureau.

Not only it is important to educate the public on the hazards of drug abuse but to workers as well, as it will not only create a healthy and conducive work environment, but help ensure workers' productivity, he said.

The exhibition shows that the private sector plays a crucial role in handling drug abuse issues as they are stakeholders in the community, he said.

The exhibition also saw the participation of the Prison Department, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad's (BIBD) and Health Department.

Quality Assurance Quality Control Officer Wan Siti Azina Hj Arip told The Brunei Times that it is essential for the private sector to be involved in educating its staff on the hazards of drug abuse.

The information conveyed plays a role in ensuring safety and productivity in the workplace, she said.

She said that it is important to ensure practising a healthy lifestyle as part of the company's quality control, as majority of its staff are offshore and handles heavy duty equipment.

Md Ali Fuad Fikri Ali Rahman said the visit to the exhibition was beneficial as they were informed on the various illegal drugs and its related emotional, physical and social consequences.

"I don't understand why people still want to get involved with this stuff even though it's useless and hazardous," commented the 12-year-old.

A student from Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abu Bakar Secondary School, Nurul Khairunnisa Hj Ismail, said she enjoyed the exhibition and it was the first time she had a look at some illegal drugs. (DKR1)