The government is turning to the private sector, seeking help and even donations in undertaking a city-wide anti-drug campaign, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said yesterday.

Heads of district councils chimed in with their support, saying they are ready to raise funds for locally oriented anti-drug programs in their communities.

Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said in a comment on Sunday on the government's website that the Home Affairs Department will spend HK$9 million on leisure activities targeting youngsters in 18 districts in a bid to divert their attention from taking drugs.

Leung Che-cheung, the chairman of the Yuen Long District Council, said he expects the HK$500,000 government fund will finance its activities for six months. It will likely raise additional money later in the hope of extending the duration of the programs.

Chau How-chen, the chairman of the Tsuen Wan District Council, estimated the district's youth programs will cost around HK$800,000, about HK$300,000 of which will come from donations and other funds.

(HK Edition 07/17/2009 page1)