BINTULU: Community and ethnic leaders in Bintulu are urged to take a more active role in addressing social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, especially among the younger generation.
Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee called for public facilities, such as multipurpose halls, to be fully utilised for community-building activities.
“Don’t let multipurpose halls or other facilities remain unused. We can learn from Finland’s success in reducing drug and alcohol problems among teenagers by providing after-school sports activities. This is a clear example that we too can succeed if we work together.”
Iskandar said this while officiating the Special Briefing Programme for the District Headmen’s Bureau on Drug and Substance Issues (MIDS) for the Bintulu District at the ParkCity Everly Hotel today.
According to him, the effectiveness of this approach requires collaboration between the government, community leaders and related agencies.
He added that such programmes also need financial support, emphasising that many funding opportunities can be tapped if all parties work together.
He also urged community leaders to not only focus on managing their areas but also prioritise community development through beneficial activities.
“Our responsibility is not just as leaders but as agents of change for the future of the next generation.”
He expressed hope that these efforts would strengthen community solidarity and ensure that young people stay away from paths that could jeopardise their future.
A total of six headmen and 184 community leaders from the Bintulu District attended the briefing programme, which aimed to provide explanations and enhance understanding of the role and function of the MIDS Bureau as well as the latest approaches to empower development in their respective areas.
Also present was Bintulu District Officer Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Bohan.
