EPM camp shapes drug-free youth in Kabong

KABONG, 24 Sep: Student Potential Exploration (EPM) Camp Series 2/2026 becomes an important platform in shaping drug-free youth through prevention education, self-esteem formation and healthy lifestyle practices.

The three-day, two-night program that took place at Tanjung Kembang Lodge, Kabong was organized by the Sarawak State Anti-Doping Agency (AADK) in collaboration with the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) and the Regional Education Office (PPD) Saratok.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the program, Kabong Member of the National Assembly (ADUN), Dato Mohd Chee Kadir said that the camp emphasizes three main objectives namely raising awareness about the dangers and effects of drugs, cultivating positive attitudes and practices and healthy lifestyles, as well as implementing early intervention against at-risk students.

He said early intervention by AADK, JPNS, PPD, school and family stakeholders is important to ensure that the risk of drug abuse among students can be identified and addressed early.

"Efforts to combat drug abuse should be implemented in an integrated manner including prevention education, community empowerment, efforts to restrict access to drug supplies, treatment and rehabilitation as well as recovery support systems", he said.

He also pointed out the changing trends in substance abuse, including the emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) which can be disguised as various forms of products, including liquids or vape devices.

"Prevention should be started at home and also at school level by mobilizing anti-drug programs and activities that can prevent the occurrence of drug, social and crime problems among students", he said.

Dato Mohd Chee also called on all parties, especially educators, parents and students, to work together with AADK and other strategic agencies to improve drug prevention efforts in schools and educational institutions.

He hoped that programs like EPM Camp could enhance cooperation between education leaders, educators and related agencies in curbing drug abuse as well as social symptoms among the younger generation. -TVS