SERIAN，21 May: Drug abuse in Tebedu has now spread to secondary school students, prompting the Malaysian Drugs Prevention Association (PEMADAM) to step up its efforts to address the growing concern.
The district’s anti-drug body described the situation as deeply alarming, especially with students from SMK Tebedu reportedly among those involved.
Tebedu District Officer Gerard George Entigar revealed that most of the affected students hail from nearby villages and are believed to have been targeted by drug pushers using free samples to lure them in.
“This is their modus operandi, hooking youths with free trials. The drug supply is believed to come from outside the district,” he said during the Tebedu District PEMADAM Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday (May 20).
To curb the worsening problem, Gerard proposed joint surprise operations by the police and the Road Transport Department (RTD), especially in identified hotspot areas.
He specifically highlighted Jalan Pengkalan Amo as a key area for monitoring, suggesting that enforcement personnel conduct checks to ensure compliance with driving licence and helmet regulations among students and villagers.
The meeting also saw the appointment of a new leadership lineup for PEMADAM Tebedu for the 2025 session.
Gerard was appointed chairman, taking over from Joseph Liaw, while Pemanca Kane Manung was named deputy chairman.
Atai Nyuleng and Mimi Unggi were elected as vice chairpersons.
The annual general meeting also served as preparation for the upcoming PEMADAM National AGM scheduled to take place later this year.
The district’s anti-drug body described the situation as deeply alarming, especially with students from SMK Tebedu reportedly among those involved.
Tebedu District Officer Gerard George Entigar revealed that most of the affected students hail from nearby villages and are believed to have been targeted by drug pushers using free samples to lure them in.
“This is their modus operandi, hooking youths with free trials. The drug supply is believed to come from outside the district,” he said during the Tebedu District PEMADAM Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday (May 20).
To curb the worsening problem, Gerard proposed joint surprise operations by the police and the Road Transport Department (RTD), especially in identified hotspot areas.
He specifically highlighted Jalan Pengkalan Amo as a key area for monitoring, suggesting that enforcement personnel conduct checks to ensure compliance with driving licence and helmet regulations among students and villagers.
The meeting also saw the appointment of a new leadership lineup for PEMADAM Tebedu for the 2025 session.
Gerard was appointed chairman, taking over from Joseph Liaw, while Pemanca Kane Manung was named deputy chairman.
Atai Nyuleng and Mimi Unggi were elected as vice chairpersons.
The annual general meeting also served as preparation for the upcoming PEMADAM National AGM scheduled to take place later this year.