UMS Pemadam Strengthens Students’ Role As Anti-drug Change Agents

KOTA KINABALU, March 20 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Kelab Persatuan Mencegah Dadah (PEMADAM) is stepping up its role as a key frontline force in maintaining a drug-free campus.

This proactive move reflects a strong student response following the authorities’ recent success in dismantling the largest drug trafficking syndicate in the state’s history, which saw the seizure of more than three tonnes of illicit substances worth over RM240 million.

Its president, Muhammad Eddry Sahirun, said the scale of the operation highlights the severity of the drug threat in Sabah and the urgent need for students to play an active role as grassroots prevention agents.

The club has rolled out various awareness initiatives to promote a drug-free campus culture, including campaigns and advocacy efforts, while encouraging students to serve as the university’s “eyes and ears” in reporting suspicious activities.

“This year, several key programmes have been lined up, including Viber Run and Pemadam Forge. In addition, the Reset Click Cmart programme will be held in collaboration with the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) for village communities around Kota Kinabalu, alongside the ‘Generasi Tanpa Dadah’ initiative involving school students,” he told Bernama.

Muhammad Eddry, a third-year student at the Faculty of Psychology and Social Work, said that while student response to volunteer initiatives has been encouraging, the key challenge is sustaining consistent and active participation.

He noted several obstacles in addressing the issue, including stigma and fear of punishment among those involved, as well as the misconception that drug abuse only affects certain groups. He also highlighted a lack of awareness of increasingly discreet and evolving modern drug threats.

“Current concerning trends include the abuse of synthetic drugs, the use of vapes laced with illicit substances, the misuse of so-called ‘study drugs’ for academic purposes, as well as the online purchase of these substances.

“Educational approaches must be more modern and digitally driven to resonate with Generation Z. Leveraging social media platforms such as TikTok, organising more engaging programmes through sports and the arts, and adopting communication styles that connect with youth are key,” he said, adding that he leads a team of 43 members for the 2025/2026 term.

He also stressed the need to expand the involvement of campus influencers to encourage students to participate in healthy activities, alongside stronger support from the university’s counselling unit and peer networks through a more rehabilitative rather than punitive approach.

Muhammad Eddry assured that if any students are found to be involved in substance abuse, Kelab PEMADAM will protect their identities in accordance with professional protocols, allowing them the space to undergo rehabilitation and regain their well-being.

“I hope members of this club will continue to play an active role in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs and serve as role models to their peers, encouraging them to reject drugs and support those in need, as we work together to make UMS a drug-free campus,” he said.

On Feb 13, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail announced that police had dismantled what is believed to be the largest drug trafficking syndicate in Sabah’s history.

He said more than three tonnes of illicit substances worth over RM240 million were seized during Op Coleoptera on Jan 20 and 21, and Op Bayu 2 on Feb 5, in areas around Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Sepanggar, as well as in Selangor.

The seizures have heightened concerns that Sabah is increasingly being used as a transit hub for drug trafficking syndicates.

-- BERNAMA