SIBU: The Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) is currently drafting a working paper to address the increasingly worrisome issue of vape use among school students in Sarawak.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said recent developments have shown a significant increase in the number of students who are caught up in the habit, making Sarawak among the states with the highest vape use among teenagers.
“We take seriously the report stating that Sarawak ranks highest in vape use among students.
“Therefore, the ministry is preparing a working paper that will be presented to the state Cabinet to obtain views and appropriate policies to be implemented,” she said at the closing ceremony of KPWK Outreach Programme held at Islamic Complex here today.
The Dalat Assemblywoman also said that an awareness campaign would be launched as an initial step to curb the problem from spreading further.
On the KPWK Outreach Programme, it is currently being implemented throughout Sarawak and will continue to 13 different zones to ensure that no community is left out of receiving government assistance and initiatives.
Fatimah stressed that such a grassroots approach allows assistance to be delivered directly to the people without them having to go to government offices.
“Through this programme, our approach is to get closer to the people, regardless of whether they are in the city or the countryside. We adapt the form of assistance according to the needs of each location.
“This programme does not necessarily have to be done on a large scale, what is important is that the benefits reach those in need,” she said.
With the theme ‘Kamek Prihatin, Kitak Penting’, the programme encompassed various government agencies in attendance to provide advisory services and direct assistance to local residents.
Fatimah described the warm reception received in Sibu as proof that the people appreciate the efforts of the state government, especially under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) which always prioritises the welfare of the people.
“The Sarawak Government is always looking for space and ways to develop this state, and the results are returned to the people in the form of various initiatives. This is a commitment that no other government has,” she added.
She also assured that her ministry would continue to strengthen this outreach programme in subsequent zones, with continuous improvements to ensure that every level of society receives the benefits it deserves.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee; Machan Assemblyman, Allan Siden Gramong; Lingga Assemblyman, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor; and other senior ministry officials, were among those present.
