SIBU: A simple dumpling-wrapping activity became a powerful reminder of compassion, redemption and social responsibility as the Women’s Section of the Sarawak Ningde Association (SNA) brought festive cheer and encouragement to residents of the Elim Women’s Life Transformation Centre (EWLTC) here on Saturday.
Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said society must play a greater role in supporting recovering addicts by giving them opportunities to rebuild their lives instead of allowing prejudice to become another obstacle on their path to recovery.
His text-of-speech was delivered by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) councillor Sean Wong during the traditional dumpling-wrapping programme organised by the association’s Women’s Section at the rehabilitation centre.
Wong praised the organisers for extending the spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival beyond cultural celebration and transforming it into a meaningful outreach programme for women undergoing rehabilitation.
“The value of traditional festivals is not merely found in preserving customs and heritage, but in bringing people together through care, understanding and compassion,” he said.
He noted that while the organisers had brought bamboo leaves and glutinous rice to share the festive tradition, they had also brought warmth, friendship and encouragement to women striving to rebuild their lives.
According to Wong, those undergoing rehabilitation should not be defined solely by their past mistakes but by their courage to change and move forward.
“Everyone makes mistakes in life. What matters most is whether we have the determination to stand up again after we fall,” he said, adding that the women at the centre deserved recognition for their bravery in confronting their past and seeking a fresh start.
At the same time, he expressed concern over the continuing threat posed by drug abuse, particularly among young people.
He urged youths to stay away from drugs, warning that substance abuse destroys health, shatters families and robs individuals of their future.
“When faced with temptation, young people must have the courage to say no and not allow a moment of poor judgment to ruin an entire lifetime,” he stressed.
Wong also called on employers, community organisations and the public to support rehabilitation efforts by offering recovering addicts acceptance, encouragement and employment opportunities.
He said successful rehabilitation requires more than institutional support and cannot be left solely to treatment centres.
“Supporting those who wish to reform is a shared responsibility of families, associations, communities and society as a whole. Only by building a network of care and inclusiveness can we help them regain confidence and successfully reintegrate into society,” he said.
Wong further remarked that the true measure of a society is not the number of skyscrapers it builds, but how it treats those who are vulnerable and those who have lost their way.
He thanked the Women’s Section of the SNA for organising the programme and commended the EWLTC for its dedication in helping women rebuild their lives.
He expressed hope that the women undergoing rehabilitation would continue to move forward with confidence and embrace a brighter future filled with hope and new opportunities.
