KANGAR, October 13, 2024 – The Language and Literature Aspiration Programme was organised by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) in partnership with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the Perlis State Education Department. The programme involved several anti-drug campaign competitions involving primary and secondary schools in Perlis, with the aim of diversifying anti-drug campaigns to target audiences.
NADA Deputy Director-General (Operations), Khairul Anwar Bachok, said the competition was held in conjunction with the Anti-Drug Day commemoration, celebrated by NADA from February to June each year.
One of the entries for The Language and Literature Aspiration Programme’s Choral Speaking Competition
According to him, among the events contested were the Choral Speaking Competition for primary school students and the Poetry Recitation and Poetry Song competitions for secondary school students.
“A total of 227 participants from 17 primary and secondary schools across Perlis participated in the competition.
“The organisation of this programme is an important initiative in educating the targeted groups about the risks associated with drugs and in spreading the anti-drug message.
Khairul Anwar Bachok during his speech for The Language and Literature Aspiration Programme
“Through this programme, participants’ creativity in language use is fostered by enhancing assertiveness and developing positive behaviours to resist drug influence,” he said here on Sunday.
In addition, Khairul Anwar added that the issue of drug and substance abuse not only damages physical health but also destroys the future, breaks families, and weakens society.
“Therefore, drug prevention efforts cannot rely solely on laws or enforcement but require a comprehensive approach that includes the use of literature and other creative works that have the power to move people’s emotions, provoke thought, and influence behaviour change in the target audience.
“By emphasising the artistic elements of language and literature, this program indirectly provides space for art and language enthusiasts to express their views on the dangers of drugs through various creative forms like poetry, verse, and drama,” he said.
Beyond the artistic components, he continued, the programme also aims to educate participants on effective communication, boosting their confidence and courage to say ‘no’ to drugs.
“This is an effort that not only develops creativity but also strengthens the resilience of youths in facing social threats like drugs.
“Therefore, NADA calls on programme participants to eventually play a role as agents of change through language and literature.
“Each work produced can have a significant impact in spreading the message of goodness and anti-drug awareness in line with the narrative of ‘Drug Prevention Starts at Home,’” he said.
