Artistes join TVB8 in saying no to dadah
By LI EE KEEMany artistes lead healthy lifestyles, although there are some who rely on drugs to help them overcome the pressures of their profession.
As Hong Kong singer Emme Wong pointed out: “Drug addiction can happen to anyone but because artistes are always in the limelight, when one gets caught it gets widespread publicity.”
Derek Li mused: “Perhaps it is not such a bad thing as the public will be more aware and find solutions to the problem.”
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Derek Li and Emme Wong. "Drugs only offer temporary escape," says Wong. |
“Those who take drugs thinking it is an easy way to escape from reality will end up with more problems,” said Li.
Both Wong and Li were in Kuala Lumpur last week to promote TVB8’s Anti-Drug Concert on June 18, which is in support of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.
TVB8 will be organising the concert at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, with the cooperation of Astro and event organising company CMG. The concert is held under the auspices of Internal Security Ministry (Kementerian Keselamatan Dalam Negeri), National Drugs Agency Campaign Secretariat (Sekretariat Kempen Anti-Dadah Kebangsaan) and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.
Singers from Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia will be taking part in the three-hour show that starts 8pm. They include Alan Tam, Hacken Lee, Shawn Yue, Emme Wong, Jade Kwan, Hins Cheung, Xiao Gang, Angela An, Mayday, Energy, Fish Leong, Danny Wen and Yu Heng. Hosts for the night will be Derek Li, Oscar Li, Paisley Hu and Queenie Chan.
Wong, who said she was happy to be part of the event, stated that artistes have a responsibility towards themselves and their fans to maintain a healthy image.
On the excuse that the pressure cooker environment of the entertainment industry contributes to drug abuse among artistes, Li brushed aside the idea.
“There is stress in any occupation. It is how you deal with it, for example exercising, talking it over with someone or going out with friends.
Li and Wong candidly admitted to having been offered drugs. “When I was studying in Vancouver, Canada, I was asked to try it but I think you have to realise what you are doing. Drugs only offer temporary escape but it does not change anything. It harms your body, mind, soul, family and future,” advised Wong.
She related that friends who have taken drugs said they experienced happiness. “But when they woke up the next morning, they felt lonely again.”
Li, who went to a boarding school in the United States, noted that being away from home, wanting to fit in and peer pressure may account for some of the reasons why youngsters turn to drugs.
“But you can always say no. Contrary to what your friends may say, it is not cool to take drugs. Neither is it worth losing your life over. That is why we want to get the message across that you can be yourself and still be cool. And through the concert we want to show youngsters that they can have a good time without drugs,” he said.
A special programme titled The Making of TVB8 Anti-Drug Concert will be aired on Astro Channel 33 on June 25 at 9pm. The concert will be aired on TVB8 on June 26 at 8pm. There will be a live broadcast of the concert over MY FM on June 18 at 8pm.
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