• Today: October 27, 2026

‘Successful recovery requires continuous support’

Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Zalani bin Haji Ismail emphasised the NCB’s continued commitment to strengthening the implementation of holistic and comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes to help individuals in recovery rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of relapse.

He said this during the International Recovery Day 2026 celebration organised by the NCB through its Treatment and Rehabilitation Division themed ‘A Light Towards Recovery, Together with the Community’ on October 24 and 25, 2026 at the Sports Hub of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Zalani also highlighted that successful recovery requires continuous support from families, the community, and stakeholders, particularly in fostering acceptance and facilitating the reintegration of individuals into society.

The celebration served as a platform to raise public awareness of recovery while encouraging the involvement of families, youth, partners, and the community in creating a caring and supportive environment for individuals recovering from substance abuse.

Three initiatives were introduced to enliven this year’s celebration – the 2 Million Steps for Recovery challenge, the One Sip, One Step competition, and the Recovery Cup 2026. The 2 Million Steps for Recovery challenge, held from July 1 to September 30, attracted 18,056 participants who collectively recorded 3,614,677,421 steps to promote an active and healthy lifestyle while demonstrating solidarity with individuals undergoing recovery.

Meanwhile, the One Sip, One Step initiative, carrying the slogan ‘A Sip of Hope, Moving Forward Together’, involved 22 local coffee operators spreading awareness through specially designed stickers on beverage cups.

The Recovery Cup 2026, held on October 11 at the Tutong Sports Complex, featured eight teams representing government agencies, the private sector, and associations, using sports to foster teamwork, discipline, positive interaction, and social bonds. Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Civil Service Governance) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad was the guest of honour at the International Recovery Day celebration. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a welcoming address by Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Zalani, who called for the event’s theme to be upheld continuously to strengthen recovery support, provide opportunities to build better lives, and contribute towards combating drug abuse.

The gathering featured a range of activities, including a performance by primary school choir competition winners Awang Haji Mohd Yusof Katimahar Primary School, a rendition of ‘Pulih Bersama’ by former residents of Al-Islah Centre and individuals under supervision, a live band performance by the Royal Brunei Police Force, magic and balloon shows, and an Anex Pound session by Hershey.

The programme also included Tabata and circuit training, carnival games, face painting, henna application, handicrafts, drawing and colouring activities. The minister presented prizes to the winners of the 2 Million Steps for Recovery challenge. In the men’s category, Lim Chun Kiat emerged as champion, followed by Pengiran Dahlan bin Pengiran Dahari in second place and Mohammad Alisharizal bin Haji Awang Sabli in third.

In the women’s category, Hajah Naemah binti Haji Mohammad took first place, with Ramizah binti Haji Razali as runner-up and Nurul Hafizah binti Maidi in third.

Prizes were also awarded to the top three winners of the One Sip, One Step competition.

The event also offered the public an opportunity to obtain information on recovery-related services and initiatives provided by Al-Islah Centre, the Supervision Division and Rakan Harmoni, with the NCB expressing hope that the spirit of community solidarity will continue to resonate beyond the celebration. – Daniel Lim

ABOVE & BELOW: Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Civil Service Governance) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad during the event; and Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Zalani bin Haji Ismail speaks at the event. PHOTO: NCB
PHOTO: NCB

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/DANIEL LIM

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