Che Yahya and DIH volunteers walking the ground.
Photo: Che Yahya
Che Yahya Communications Officer, Communications Division Central
Narcotics Bureau
Having been in CNB for more than 30 years, Che Yaya has been heavily
involved in the fight against drugs. He was in enforcement,
investigation, and intelligence, before being posted to be involved
in community engagement in 2018.
In 2017, CNB launched the “Dadah itu haram” (DIH) campaign to spread the
anti-drug message among the Malay-Muslim community. There were some who
questioned why this community is being targeted, and Che Yahya’s answer
is simple: Just look at the figures and it is clear that drugs are a big
problem in this community.
Che Yahya is now part of the CNB team that mobilises the community to
help spread the “Dadah itu haram” message. In the beginning, a lot of
leg work was needed to persuade the mosques and other places frequented
by the Malay-Muslim community such as barber shops, bike shops and
eateries to come on board. Chee Yahya and his team worked long hours and
on weekends as these were often the only time partners were available to
meet. With help from volunteers, businesses, religious leaders and
associations, there is now a prominent level of visibility for the
campaign. One can see the DIH stickers on the tables at many Muslim
eateries, on cars and even bags and T-shirts.
Although it is not an easy job, it is one Che Yahya is passionate about.
He has seen drugs destroy lives and families and he is committed to
helping Singapore become drug-free. He believes that the good that we do
will ultimately come back to us.
Che Yahya (most left) with his DIH Team.
Photo: Che Yahya
A DIH awareness setup conducted at a
local mosque.
Photo: Che Yahya