KUCHING: Kampung Haji Baki has reached a remarkable milestone, where the village has remained drug-free for the past three years, a testament to the community’s united efforts in combating substance abuse and restoring hope for future generations.
Once grappling with drug-related issues, the village has since transformed into a beacon of resilience, driven by strong local leadership, awareness campaigns, and collaborative efforts between residents, enforcement agencies, and support groups.
Batu Kitang assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang, said the achievement is now being hailed as a model for community-led rehabilitation and prevention that sustained vigilance.
Youth empowerment remains key to keeping the village on a positive path.
“Kampung Haji Baki is not the only village that’s facing substance issues, I believe many other places are also struggling with this issue especially when the village is big, there are also places such as parks, karaoke centres and others are facing this issue.
“Last time, Kampung Haji Baki is known as a high risk for drugs (Kawasan Berisiko Tinggi Dadah or KBTD) but by 2025 this village has turned into a green area.
“We have been trying to help this area free from drugs, at least National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) is also helping us to identify areas known to be high risk,” he said.
Lo was met by reporters at the Ramah Tamah 2025 Kampung Haji Baki, organised by Kampung Haji Baki Community Association and attended by more than 1,000 people, near here on Sunday.
Lo also hoped that other places in Sarawak, could follow the footsteps of abolishing substance in villages like what Kampung Haji Baki was doing.
“As long, as we have the village heads having cooperation with the Penghulu, leaders, I believe that is Kampung Haji Baki can turn from yellow to green, all other villages in Sarawak can follow its footsteps,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penghulu Sabtuyah Yusof said Kampung Haji Baki, which is under her jurisdiction, is a green area now.
“Prior to this it was yellow, but we have been keeping an eye on areas involving this village, with the help from the community and three of our community leaders in his area.
“The drug cases have lessened, unlike previously. Three village heads have been appointed. Therefore, we are able to do our work very well.
“When we talk about substance affecting many villages, definitely there are other villages facing the same problem but in this village (Kampung Haji Baki), it has lessen,” said Sabtuyah.
She added, initially around 2021 until 2024, the village was declared a red area by AADK.
“Then, last year we turned yellow and early 2025, we turned green. This was declared by AADK.
“They have really helped us a lot, and they even have a booth with us here and also the cooperation from the community here too,” she said.
