BELAGA: The Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) in Belaga has organised a Drug-Free Workplace Programme (TEKAD) in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sibu, involving 260 staff.
This initiative follows the implementation of Sarawak Energy Berhad’s (SEB) TEKAD programme, which engaged 1,019 staff at the end of 2024.
During the programme, which was also attended by Sarawak AADK director Abdul Hamediee Ibrahim, experiences were shared on implementing drug prevention education programmes in the workplace.
He stressed the importance of company policies and the establishment of Workplace Anti-Drug Committees (JAD).
“Employers need to remain vigilant regarding drug and substance abuse issues within organisations. The programmes also included urine screening tests for staff and contractors directly involved with Bakun HEP as an early preventive measure to ensure a drug-free workplace environment,”said Abdul Hamediee through a press statement on Wednesday (Jan 22).
He also shared that through the State-Level Drug Eradication Action Meeting (MTMD) held in 2024, a resolution was made to implement the TEKAD programme among Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) as an early prevention effort against workplace drug and substance abuse issues.
“This initiative aims to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors among employers and employees regarding drug and substance abuse, which remains a concern.”
Hamediee also proposed the implementation of the Workplace Drug Screening and Testing Certification Program (CDST) to the Bakun HEP management.
“This certification programme aims to provide training and accreditation to SEB officers and staff, qualifying them to conduct urine screening tests.
“This will enable Bakun HEP to carry out scheduled urine screenings for employees or related contractors, thus preventing drug and substance abuse activities and ensuring a drug-free workplace at their premises.”
Sarawak AADK conducted urine tests in 169 government departments, private companies, and GLCs involving 5,280 workers in 2024. Among them, 51 individuals tested positive for drugs.
“This issue must be taken seriously, and appropriate interventions must be implemented by employers to address workplace drug and substance abuse problems,” Hamediee said.
The implementation of the TEKAD Programme is a necessary and commendable initiative that should receive full support from employers and employees to prevent drug-related problems.
Additionally, Sarawak AADK has successfully “greened” six (6) High-Risk Areas (KBT) through the High-Risk Area Reduction Initiative Programme from 2021, which will conclude in 2025.
These areas include Matang and Haji Baki in Kuching, Kampung Baru and Tanjung Bundong in Samarahan, and Bekenu and Batu Niah in Miri.
The continuation of this initiative contributes to the Controlled Drugs 2025 Indicator.
For Sarawak, the prevalence rate remains controlled at 369 individuals per 100,000 residents, compared to the international prevalence rate of 400 individuals per 100,000 residents.
He also highlighted efforts to introduce specialized electrical skills programs for clients of the Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation (RPDK) in collaboration with SEB Sarawak.
