KUCHING: About 1,000 pupils from 28 classes of Primary 1 to 6 at SJK Chung Hua Batu 4.5 took part in an eye-opening talk on the dangers of drugs today.
Lee Chia Soon, Chairman of Skuad Anti-dadah Kuching and organiser of the event themed ‘Cherish Life. Stay Away From Drugs,’ said the program, conducted in Chinese, aimed to teach students how to make safe and healthy choices.
During the session, a documentary on the U.S. drug crisis was shown, while Lee explained how drug-use tools have changed over time, from opium pipes to glass meth pipes and vapes.
He warned that drug traffickers often hide narcotics in everyday items like sweets, juice powders, and bubble tea, making it crucial for children to stay alert.
A second video focused on vaping, showing the risks of e-cigarettes and their growing use as a medium for drug abuse in Malaysia.
Students also explored a replica drugs counter, learning hands-on how traffickers disguise drugs and why it’s dangerous to accept food or drinks from strangers.
One pupil, Evon Yong, 11, said, “I didn’t know drugs could be hidden in sweets. I will always check and say no to strangers.”
Another student, Wee Hong, 10, shared, “The vaping video really scared me. I will tell my friends to stay away too.”
Lee thanked AADK Kuching for helping set up the replica counter, which gave students practical experience to better recognize disguised drugs.
He urged all pupils to ‘cherish life’ and make wise choices, reminding them that awareness and knowledge are the best weapons against drug abuse.
By Connie Chieng