SIBU – More than 300 students and staff members at Sekolah Kebangsaan St. Rita (SKSR) participated in a comprehensive drug prevention programme held at the school’s Sacred Heart Hall. The event, organised as part of the national Drug Prevention Education Week (PPDa), was conducted in collaboration with the Sibu District National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
The initiative aimed to provide early exposure to the dangers of substance abuse, targeting primary school pupils to foster resilience and healthy lifestyle choices from a young age. By engaging students at this formative stage, educators hope to build strong self-defence mechanisms against social ills before they become entrenched.
Mahmood Tambi, representing the District Head of AADK Sibu, officiated the closing ceremony of the awareness week. He was joined by key stakeholders including the SKSR Headmaster, Gerard Bugin Legak, and Ana Daud, the School Liaison Officer from the Sibu District Police Headquarters. Several senior assistant teachers also attended to support the programme, highlighting the school’s commitment to student welfare.
The day’s activities were designed to be interactive and educational, moving beyond traditional lectures to engage students through various creative mediums. Sessions included question-and-answer segments, anti-drug quizzes, and screenings of informative videos that illustrated the consequences of drug addiction. These visual and interactive elements helped reinforce the core messages in a manner accessible to younger audiences.
Cultural performances played a significant role in the proceedings, with students presenting pantun (traditional Malay poetry) and reciting original poems focused on staying drug-free. These artistic expressions allowed participants to internalise the anti-drug message while celebrating local cultural forms. The integration of arts into health education demonstrates a holistic approach to character building.
Competitive elements were also incorporated to maintain high levels of engagement. Winners of the anti-drug poster colouring and drawing competitions were awarded prizes, recognising their creativity and understanding of the topic. Such incentives encourage students to think critically about the subject matter and express their views visually.
A highlight of the event was the reading of the anti-drug pledge, where students collectively committed to remaining free from illicit substances. This public declaration serves as a psychological contract, reinforcing personal responsibility and peer support in maintaining a drug-free environment.
The collaboration between SKSR, AADK Sibu, and the Royal Malaysian Police underscores a multi-agency approach to community safety. By combining educational resources with law enforcement expertise, the partners aim to create a secure and prosperous school environment. This tripartite cooperation is essential for addressing complex social issues that extend beyond the classroom.
Gerard Bugin Legak, the headmaster, emphasised the importance of sustained efforts in drug prevention. He noted that one-off events are insufficient; rather, continuous reinforcement of positive values is required to ensure long-term impact. The school plans to integrate these themes into its broader curriculum and extracurricular activities throughout the academic year.
Ana Daud, representing the police force, highlighted the role of community vigilance in combating drug threats. She encouraged parents and teachers to remain alert to signs of behavioural changes in children, stressing that early intervention is key to preventing escalation. The police liaison officer’s presence reinforced the seriousness of the issue and the legal consequences associated with drug involvement.
The PPDa week concluded with the symbolic inauguration of the school-level PPDa postponement, marking the official end of the intensive awareness campaign. However, organisers clarified that the principles discussed would continue to guide school policies and student conduct codes.
Sibu has seen various community-led initiatives aimed at youth development in recent years. The active participation of local schools in national campaigns like PPDa reflects a growing consciousness about the need for proactive prevention strategies. As urbanisation increases, so does the exposure of young people to potential risks, making such educational interventions increasingly vital.
The success of the event at SKSR serves as a model for other primary schools in the district. By demonstrating how diverse activities can effectively convey serious messages, it provides a blueprint for replicating similar programmes elsewhere. The enthusiasm displayed by the 300 participants suggests that when engaged properly, young people are eager to learn about protecting their well-being.
AADK Sibu continues to work closely with educational institutions across the district to expand its reach. Future programmes may include more advanced workshops for older students and training sessions for teachers on identifying at-risk individuals. This ongoing commitment ensures that the fight against drug abuse remains a priority in Sarawak’s educational landscape.
