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Random Tests To Curb Drug Abuse In Schools
By Arnie PDH Ishak

Bandar Seri Begawan - The rise in drug abuse among students has sent alarm bells ringing with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) intensifying its efforts at educational institutions in the country to stem the tide.

One of the ways to control substance abuse among students in the country will be the implementation of random urine tests to be held from time to time, said Hj Abdul Aziz bin NUMB Hj Othman, Acting Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau.

He was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony for the Drug Prevention Education Programme organised by the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College (MTSSR) in collaboration with NCB yesterday at the MTSSR Lecture Hall of the Student Resources Centre.

In his speech, the guest of honour said, "The threat of drugs is present everywhere and can involve any kind of individual in any type of situation. And we cannot deny the fact that drug abuse involves a lot of youths including students.

"According to 2007 NCB statistics, 732 people were arrested and of that number 42 were students, including 33 male students and nine female students.

"This year's statistics for the first six months of the year (until June 2008) show that 12 students have been arrested. This shows a worrying phenomenon that needs proper attention," he said.

"In realising this fact, MTSSR's initiative in having this drug prevention education programme is very precise and should be seen as a good example to be followed," he added.

"The younger generation, especially students, are the country's assets so we would like them to be individuals who have good qualities and morals. We should all note that drug abuse leads to personal losses, destruction of morals, weakens the family institution, destroys harmony in the community and disturbs peace and harmony of the country.

"I understand that the drug prevention education programme at MTSSR will go on throughout the year and aside from briefings and lectures on drug prevention, other practical educational methods have been planned by the college in stages with the cooperation of the NCB.

"This includes the implementation of random urine tests to be held from time to time. The objective of doing this is to prevent drug abuse among students, teachers, staff and all the constituents of MTSSR," he further added.

"I would like to reiterate that the problem of drug abuse is a complicated one and it is our collective responsibility to prevent it," he said.

According to Awang Osmawi bin Hj Osman, Head Officer of Narcotics 1 of the Drug Prevention Education Division, NCB, "This is the first time that this type of drug prevention education programme format has been implemented.

"This will be a yearly programme for MTSSR with other activities that are still under discussion.

"The Drug Prevention Education Programme at MTSSR starts with the launch, exhibitions and talks held today and will carry on with activities such as the 'Anti-Drug Amazing Race' organised by the NCB, several other exhibitions as well as a road show that will be held at the college," he added.

"The road show will include participation from associates of the NCB campaign (Rakan-Rakan Kempen BKN), which includes organisations such as the Prisons Department, RTB, action teams from various schools and sponsors from the private sector."

Regarding the random urine tests that will be done at the college, he said, "This is not the first time that a school has asked for this requirement as it has been done before in other schools throughout the four districts.

"If a student is found positive for drugs in the urine test, the school will take appropriate action and will provide the student with counselling and monitor the student's attendance and performance in the school.

"After three months, the school will then provide the NCB with a report on the student's progress. If after three months the student does not show any improvement, then the NCB will put the student under the surveillance programme," Awang Osmawi explained.

Yesterday's event also saw briefings and talks on the organisational chart and background of the NCB, the drug abuse scenario in Brunei, recognising the different drugs that can be found in Brunei, law provisions, punishments and arrest statistics.

Also present at yesterday's event were senior officers and officers of the NCB, staff, teachers and students from MTSSR. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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