BASMIDA MARKS INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

According to the World Drug Report 2007 released by the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), there has been evidence
suggesting a decline in the problem of drug use and abuse globally.

Although the situation has stabilised a few years back, it does not
mean that the mission to tackle the drug problem should slow down
because more needs to be done in order to control the global ailment.

This was said by the President of BASMIDA, Datin Hjh Masni Hj Ali, at
the launching ceremony for the guide book on 'Understanding Drug
Abuse From the Islamic Perspective', BASMIDA newsletter and BASMIDA website.

The event, which was officiated by Acting Director of the Religious
Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hajah Hasnah binti
Omar, was held yesterday at The Mall in Gadong.

The event was held in conjunction with the United Nations
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which
fell on June 26.

Also present at the event were Mr Greg Stanton, US Department of
State and Ms Daphne Bell, TASC, USA as well other officials from
various government departments in Brunei.

The book entitled 'Memahami Penagihan Dadah Dari Perspektif Islam' is
a Malay translated version from the first publication -'Understanding
Drug Abuse From the Islamic Perspective'- that was sponsored by the
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US
Department of State in 2005.

The BASMIDA newsletter will provide various information on activities
and innovative programmes on disseminating information on the dangers
of drug abuse in the country and across the region.

The first publication is sponsored by Pengiran Izad Ryan bin Pengiran
Laila Kanun Diraja Pengiran Haji Bahrin, said Datin Hjh Masni.

Volatile family situations can threaten the harmony of any family
including its financial welfare, health as well as home comforts
leading to various social ailments that can disrupt a peaceful community.

The importance of family and religious moral values should be
instilled in bringing up a harmonious and loving family, said Acting
Director of the Religious Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious
Affairs, Hajah Hasnah binti Omar in her speech at the launch.