Students and teachers from local schools join Curtin Malaysia’s safety campaign event

Miri, Sarawak – 31 May 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) hosted a safety awareness showcase titled ‘Safety Campaign: Bright Futures Begin with Sober Choices’ at its campus recently to mark World Safety and Health at Work Day 2024.

Organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences and Occupational Safety and Health team, the event featured educational and awareness activities highlighting the dangers of substance abuse, including narcotics and alcohol.

The event saw an impressive turnout of over 230 participants, including members of the Curtin Malaysia community, and 94 students and nine teachers from local schools and colleges.

The participation of other educational institutions such as SMK Dato’ Permaisuri Miri, SMK Pujut Miri, Best Academy, Sarawak Skills, and Fajar International College were integral to the campaign’s engagement and success. The participants benefited from a range of activities designed to empower and inform.

This was also in line with the objectives of the event, which aimed to educate and enable students and staff to reject illicit drugs and alcohol abuse, to enhance awareness and alert students and staff to the dangers of illicit drug use by youth, and promote zero tolerance policies for students and staff towards the use of illicit drugs and alcohol in educational institutions.

Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, said in his speech at the opening of the event that it marked a significant step in the university’s commitment to fostering a safe and healthy environment for its campus community, as well as students and staff of the other educational institutions.

“We aim to educate and empower our community to reject the scourge of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse. In doing so, we safeguard the well-being of individuals and protect the fabric of our educational institutions and the wider community,” Professor Lee remarked.

He added that the campaign was not merely an isolated event but a testament to Curtin Malaysia’s enduring commitment to promoting a culture of zero tolerance towards the illegal use of drugs and alcohol within educational environments.

He said that, through collaborative efforts with government agencies, local schools, and other organisations, the university could amplify its impact and reach beyond its campus walls, fostering partnerships that extend the reach of the campus message and influence.

“As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the fight against drug and alcohol abuse cannot be won overnight. It requires sustained effort, unwavering dedication, and a collective resolve to effect meaningful change. Each one of us has a role to play – as educators, mentors, peers, and advocates – in shaping a future where the shadows of substance abuse do not dim bright prospects,” he concluded.

Event organising chairperson Rona Bang Tan, who is Head of the Department of Health Sciences at the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, reflected on the day’s success, stating, “This campaign goes beyond education; it is about making real-life changes. The extensive participation from our community, enhanced by the commitment of our sponsors and partners, clearly shows our collective determination to foster a drug-free environment.”

During the event, the Miri Division Health Department, one of the event partners and exhibitors, provided free health screenings for the participants. Other notable exhibitors included the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, Miri Prison Department, and Pharmacy Enforcement Miri Division, each offering valuable information and support throughout the day.

Pullman Hotel Miri showcased healthy mocktails and pastries for the health-conscious, and Fitness Fix Factory instructor Chen Wong conducted a fun and energetic fitness workout, promoting physical health as a fundamental part of a drug-free lifestyle.

The event also benefitted from the sponsorship of local businesses such as PC Image, Front Guard, The Fisherman Wharf, Dodo2u Company, BA Smart Vendors, and Mercure Miri City.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences. Also present were Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong and Safety Officer Pou Wai Yee.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Chong, Prof Lee and Prof Marzo (3rd, 5th & 6th left) with event exhibitors

Chong, Prof Lee, Prof Marzo (3rd, 4th & 5th left) and event exhibitors sign on banner to demonstrate their support for the fight against substance abuse.

Chong, Prof Marzo, Prof Lee, Pou and Rona (seated, 2nd-6th right) pose for group photo with event partners and students

Officer from Miri Prison Department sharing insights into Miri Prison’s operations and community engagement activities

Participants listening as AADK officer briefs them on substance abuse