Bandar Seri Begawan - Forty-Four participants of the "Orang Yang Di Bawah Pengawasan" (OYDP) or "People Under Supervision" rehabilitation scheme run by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) were handed release certificates to mark their successful completion of the programme, in a ceremony held yesterday morning, at Pusat Ehsan at Jln Bengkurong-Masin.

The chief guest at the ceremony was Awg Hj Abu Bakar Manshor, the Penghulu of Mukim Lumapas.

"In order to motivate sustainable growth in the country, we need to increase efforts in diversifying mindsets and attitudes, as well as strengthening better basic morale and etiquettes towards achieving prestige and excellence," said Awg Hj Abu Bakar, quoting an excerpt from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's titah on the occasion of the 25th National Day celebrations on February 25 this year.

The chief guest said procrastination will result in the loss of many hopes and future opportunities.

"In other words, prevention is better than cure," he added, citing another saying.

Prior to the certificate presentation ceremony, the ACB personnel and OYDP members together engaged in community work that involved sprucing up a hydroponic greenhouse and an orchid plantation as well as cleaning up drainage around Pusat Ehsan.

The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem. One of the highlights of the event was an oath-taking ceremony performed by the OYDP members, which was witnessed by some 26 ACB personnel from all four districts and other guests.

"The four-year scheme has taught me that strong willpower is essential in overcoming drug addiction," said Awg Metarsad Hj Mohd Daud, 46, in an interview with the Bulletin. "Addictions pose a liability to the government and can result in lost family relations as well as friends."

The father of three said he was grateful for being currently employed at a private company.

Rosinah Hj Osman, 32, a mother of two, also shared, her regrets for her past habits of consuming Syabu a few years ago, under the influence of friends.

"She felt she had been "fully reformed" as a result of the OYDP programme. According to Rosinah, the temptation of getting free sources of Syabu was one of the main reasons why she got into the addiction in the first place. She said she hoped that society would give her a chance to acquire a job in order for her to embrace a new life without being judged as a drug abuser.

Members of Pusat Ehsan, including special needs individuals, were also present to cheer on the OYDP members as they received their certificates.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Write comment

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment