5,000 gather at Padang Merdeka to say no to Drug

The clarion call against drugs was loud and clear as Padang Merdeka was emblazoned with a sea of red volunteers rallying against drugs for the IM4U campaign, led by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

“With a healthy body and an active mind, imbued with self-belief and patriotic spirit, you can conquer anything,” he told youths when launching the 1 Malaysia for Youth program (IM4U) and 1 Malaysia Squad today.

The IM4U program, which was launched by Prime Minister Najib Razak on July 15, is a government led campaign which strives to nurture the spirit of volunteerism among the nation’s 12.5 million youths. To date, Sabah has 19, 474 members of 1Malaysia Squad.

At the heart of the campaign is the “We want peace, no drugs please” message, a rallying call to youths and the community at large to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to join the fight against all manner of social menace in society.

Dr Yee, who is also Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology, said he was confident that the IM4U campaign was able to promote volunteerism among youths and channel their energy towards healthy activities. He said the government wants youths to play their part in society by being volunteers or counsellors to help turn around those involved with drug problems and other social problems.

The youth rally generated great interest and excitement, as the Sunday crowds in the city joined volunteers in the festive atmosphere. There was a good range of activities to keep every one entertained, including live music from local artists and the lively Zumba dance.

“Never try drugs, even if it’s for the first time, and choose your friends carefully especially those who can set a good example,” warned Wan Roazha Wan Mat, 20, from Kelantan, who studies marketing at UMS. These are wise words that aptly sum up the message of the rally.

For Norliana Ladin, 25, a student from Aseana College believes that parents play an important role in nurturing the youth. She also said continuous awareness and transparent information available will help youth to understand more on the danger of abusing drugs.

Nelly Milos, a student, 20, from Cosmopoint College finds it important for the youth to lead an active lifestyle in order to avoid being drawn into unhealthy activities.

The 1 Malaysia for Youth program (IM4U) and 1 Malaysia Squad was jointly organised by the United Sabah Chinese Association of Kota Kinabalu, the National Anti-Drug Agency, Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the Immigration Department. 

Source: Insight Sabah