MCPF Barat Daya DLC led a successful Pertandingan Pidato (Oratory Competition) Program “Ancaman Penyalahgunaan Dadah dan Kaedah Pencegahan Sekolah-Sekolah Menengah Daerah Barat Daya at SMK Pondok Upeh, Balik Pulau on 7^th May 2024. This Program was supported by Agensi Anti-Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK) Daerah Barat Daya and Jabatan Pendidiikan Daerah Barat Daya. The Key Objectives of this Program were 1. To create self-awareness on the dangers of drug abuse amongst students; and, 2. To educate students and the community on drug abuse prevention methods which can be emulated individually, by family and society. In attendance were VIPs YBhg. Dato’ Seri K. Pulayantran (Deputy Chairman, MCPF Penang); Encik Zaki Bin Ablah (Penolong Pengarah AADK Negeri Pulau Pinang); Encik Che Mazlan Bin Che Mat (Timbalan Pegawai Pendidikan Daerah Barat Daya); and, Puan Aishah Binti Hassan (Penolong Kanan SMK Pondok Upeh). MCPF attendees were Mr. James Mohan (MCPF Penang SLC Member / Barat Daya District Liaison Committee Chairman cum Organizing Chairman); and, Mr. Johnny Michael Tan (Secretary, MCPF Penang cum Chief, Judging Panel). Also in attendance from MCPF Barat Daya DLC were Puan Nadzieah (Pegawai Pendidikan DBD HEM, Jabatan Pendidikan DBD cum Treasurer); Mr. William Hoe Chin Khwan (Vice-Chairman [II]); Mr. Nicholas Chang Gim Hooi, (Committee Member); Mr. Selva a/l Pichaimuthu (Committee Member); Mr. Prabu a/l Mogan (Committee Member); Mr. Gideon Lau Sing Kwang (Committee Member); and Mr. Thomas a/l Devasagayam (Committee Member).  Other members of the Judging Panel included Encik Azhar bin Hj. Zakariah of SJK Bayan Baru) and Puan Noorzita binti Mohamad (Penolong Pegawai, AADK Negeri Pulau Pinang). The participating schools were 1. SMK Batu Maung; 2. SMK Sacred Heart; 3. SMA Maahad Al-Mashoor Al-Islami; 4. SMK Sungai Ara; 5. SMK Bayan Lepas; 6. SMK Seri Balik Pulau; 7. SMK Pondok Upeh; 8. SMK Teluk Bahang; 9. SMK Teluk Kumbar; and, 10. SMK Raja Tun Uda.

There were a total of 29 competitive student participants with 11 school teachers accompanying them. This Pidato Competition witnessed great preparation of not only the Organizing Committee but also all the participating schools, the supportive school teachers and the participants. Kudos to the all and congratulations to the winners eight Prize Winners i.e. Champion SMK Sungai Ara; Runner-Up SMK Pondok Upeh; Third SMK Pondok Upeh and 5 Consolation – SMA Maahad Al-Mashoor Al-Islami; SMK Pondok Upeh; SMA Maahad Al-Mashoor Al-Islami; SMK Seri Balik Pulau and SMK Sacred Heart. This was a truly noteworthy program that is part and parcel of the overall ‘Greening of Red Zone’ efforts of Mukim 12, South-West District.