SIBU – The Sibu District branch of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) has intensified its outreach efforts among young people by staging a dedicated Anti-Drug Exhibition. The initiative was integrated into the broader Sexual Reproductive Health 7.0 programme, themed “Digital Boundaries – Combating Cyber Sexual Crimes In The Modern Age,” which took place at the Sarawak University of Technology (UTS). The event aimed to address the dual challenges of substance abuse and digital safety facing the current generation.
Held on Saturday, 26 July 2026, the programme drew a significant crowd of more than 300 participants. The attendees comprised students from UTS and Laila Taib College, as well as secondary school pupils from across the Sibu District. This diverse mix of tertiary and pre-university students highlighted the agency’s strategy to engage youth at critical stages of their personal and academic development. By targeting this demographic, authorities hope to instil protective behaviours before harmful habits can take root.
The exhibition was officially launched by the Member of Parliament for P212 Sibu, Yang Berhormat Oscar Ling Chai Yew. His presence underscored the governmental support for holistic health education that extends beyond physical well-being to include mental resilience and digital literacy. The MP emphasised the importance of equipping young minds with the knowledge to navigate both physical and virtual landscapes safely.
Organised by UTS in collaboration with the Sarawak Family Planning Association (SFPA) Sibu Branch, the event sought to create a comprehensive support network for students. The partnership between an educational institution and a non-governmental organisation allowed for a multifaceted approach to health advocacy. The SRH programme served as the umbrella under which various health topics were discussed, with drug prevention being a central pillar.
The Anti-Drug Exhibition featured a range of interactive activities designed to educate rather than merely inform. Awareness talks provided factual information about the physiological and psychological impacts of drug addiction. Interactive discussions allowed students to voice their concerns and ask questions in a safe environment, fostering open dialogue about peer pressure and coping mechanisms. Quizzes were also conducted to test knowledge retention, with participants showing enthusiastic engagement throughout the sessions.
Lu Yew King, Director of the UTS Student Development and Services Centre, was present to support the initiative. He highlighted the university’s commitment to student welfare and the importance of preventive education. Also in attendance were Imelda Amella Billie, Chairperson of the SFPA Sibu Branch, and Hamidah Rapaee, the Organising Chairperson and Senior Executive Counsellor of UTS. Their involvement demonstrated a unified front among educators, counsellors, and health advocates.
Other key figures included UTS Executive Counsellor Kevin Wong Kiung Kion and Noorashikin Sarakawi, a counsellor from the Sibu District Education Office. Guidance and counselling teachers from local schools also participated, ensuring that the message received by students would be reinforced within their respective educational institutions. This network of professionals plays a crucial role in identifying at-risk individuals and providing early intervention.
The inclusion of drug awareness within a programme focused on digital boundaries is particularly relevant in the modern era. Experts note that online platforms can sometimes facilitate access to illicit substances or expose youth to environments that normalise risky behaviour. By addressing these issues concurrently, the organisers aimed to provide a holistic view of health and safety. Students were encouraged to recognise the links between digital habits, mental health, and substance use.
The positive response from the participants suggests that interactive and collaborative formats are effective in engaging young audiences. Traditional lectures often fail to capture the attention of digitally native generations, whereas hands-on activities and peer-led discussions prove more impactful. The success of this event may serve as a model for future collaborations between government agencies, universities, and civil society organisations.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the threats facing young people. The efforts by AADK Sibu and its partners reflect a proactive stance in adapting prevention strategies to contemporary challenges. By fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, the community aims to protect its youth from the dangers of addiction and exploitation.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue monitoring and supporting the well-being of students in Sibu. Through sustained education and open communication, the goal of a drug-free and digitally safe generation remains within reach.
