Alcohol misuse compromises the quality of life of individuals, families, communities and whole societies in a variety of ways. Malaysia acknowledges the problems, implementing policies and health promotion activities in line with the World Health Organization Global Strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol by 10% between 2010 and 2025. Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo, has more than 30 different indigenous ethnic groups. Alcohol production and consumption have traditional and unique roles in the cultural practices of many of these groups, making one common programme difficult to implement. Preliminary research suggests that alcohol is a serious problem in indigenous communities in Sabah. It also shows lack of knowledge on recommended limits for alcohol consumption and understanding of alcohol-related harm. The objective of this action-research is to produce a toolkit that will transfer knowledge and empower communities to adopt safer drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm. It must be attractive, appropriate, easily understood and be able to be tailored to suit different communities. The alcohol tool-kit was developed by a group of academicians using evidence-based information. Qualitative research methods were used to evaluate the initial alcohol tool-kit. A purposive sample of 45 village representatives was selected and divided into 5 groups for focus group discussion. Their feedback was recorded and transcribed verbatim. The alcohol tool-kit was edited accordingly. All participants agreed the alcohol tool-kit was important and can empower communities to reduce alcoholrelated harm directly improving their quality of life. The amended alcohol tool-kit will be recommended for health promotion material and evaluated from time to time.

Statement of the Problem:Alcohol related harm is considered significant in many areas in Sabah. This project aimed to provide community members with information and approaches to addressing this problem in their own area. This paper shows a unique approach to health promotion and community engagement in rural communities. Method:This project used action research methodology. A workshop for alcohol misuse was held in a rural village. At the start of the workshop four groups were formed and focus group discussions were held using the diamond dialogue technique. Responses were analysed for themes, using grounded theory methods. The position on the diamond shape was analysed by overlaying a 11 point grid, with 10 corresponding to the highest level of happiness and 0 corresponding to the lowest level of happiness.

Aims: This study aims to examine the effect of drinking style on alcohol-related harm and readiness to change among the indigenous communities of Sabah. Study Design: This study applied quantitative research design using a survey method. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in the West Coast Division of Sabah, between Sept 2018 to Dec 2018. Methodology: A total of 56 villagers between age 18 to 56 years old (29 female, 27 male) have participated in this study. Purposive sampling by using Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT) was applied to select hazardous and harmful drinkers among the indigenous communities of Sabah Data were analyzed by using IBMSPSS version 22.0. Results: The study found a positive and significant effect of drinking style towards alcohol-related harm and readiness to change. The willingness and ability to make changes in their current behaviour to the new behaviour of drinking indicate participants who are at the hazardous and harmful drinking styles were reported experienced negative alcohol consequences. At the same time also, participants have shown their willingness and ability to make changes in their current behaviour to the new behaviour of drinking. It can explain the positive relation between alcohol-related harm and readiness among the participants. On the other hand, the more they experience the adverse effects of alcohol, the more they want to make a change in their drinking style. Conclusion: These findings are significant to provide direction for the next action plan for intervention purposes aims to reduce the alcohol-related harm among the indigenous communities of Sabah.