Sunday May 12, 2013

Tracking down underage drinkers

By YU JI
yuji@thestar.com.my

KUCHING: Due to the lack of information on alcohol abuse, a call has been made to begin a database here, starting with emphasis on underage drinking.

Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Jerip Susil, a medical doctor himself, said the number of alcohol abusers was bound to increase as society progressed.

Yet, he said, there was no clear structure on how to handle the situation in Sarawak.

“Right now there is no proper data on alcohol abuse in Sarawak. While we have general figures, it is important to have specifics. We need a structure to work from,” Dr Jerip told reporters after opening a community event on anti-alcohol abuse.

He said estimates on the prevalent underage alcohol abuse was a good starting point since measures aimed at prevention was most effective.

“When I was at my own clinic, day in and day out, I saw people who had alcohol-related health problems. At the State Legislative Assembly, many elected representatives have spoken about social ills related to alcohol. Some have suggested a total ban in Muslim areas, but this does not really work.”

Even when alcohol was totally banned, Dr Jerip said, youths could still turn to illicit drugs, “or sniff glue”.

“Alcohol abuse might not be a very serious problem in Sarawak but that does not mean we are not concerned. There is a drinking culture.

“I am not pinpointing, however, that drinking is very much part and parcel of celebrations. We can’t tell people to stop drinking completely, but awareness of responsible drinking has to be improved.

“Our study should find out how little is too little for most people and how much is too much. You want to get people to strike a balance.”

Dr Jerip also spoke on the sale of home-brewed alcohol.

Authorities should not deny people’s right to an income, Dr Jerip said, but rules like banning minors from buying and drinking should be fully enforced.

“I understand that, in every kampung, there are bound to be a few producing langkau and tuak (rice wine), as their source of income. They do so to feed their children. Fair enough. But they must realise that they would end up contributing to underage drinking.”

Dr Jerip said compared to anti-smoking campaigns, anti-alcohol abuse campaigns would be less well received.

The community event here yesterday was a collaboration between the Malaysian Health Promotion Board (MySihat) and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).

MySihat chief executive Datuk Dr Yahya Baba said the Government’s anti-alcohol abuse initiatives focused on personal health and social ills.

“The wider implication of high rates of alcohol abuse is important to consider. Take for instance road safety, driving under the influence is a serious public health and social issue,” Dr Yahya said.

“The most effective measure (to curb abuse), is not just university research, but community efforts.”

DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said yesterday effort was the start of a programme, which will involve other non-governmental bodies, until year end.

“First things first, we ourselves must become good role models for the youths. That is our first target. We can drink but not excessively.”

News

Sunday May 12, 2013

Tracking down underage drinkers

By YU JI yuji@thestar.com.my

By YU JI
yuji@thestar.com.my