KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg held a discussion with the Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) at his office here yesterday.
Among the matters discussed were the eradication of drug and substance abuse in the workplace; the collaboration of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Public Awareness Programme and the Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) in driving institutes – a pilot programme which began in May in Sarawak.
The council has selected two areas – Matang, Kuching and Kampung Tanjung Bundong in Kota Samarahan under the greening of high-risk areas based on five main strategies; preventing new addicts, maintaining recovery rates, improving detection of drug addicts, increasing cooperation and agency or community involvement as well as restricting the entry of drugs.
The Sarawak state government has approved an allocation of RM5.38 million for the acquisition of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, drug tracking dogs, operation of the One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA) and the Community Development and Intervention Centre (CDIC), and the establishment of the Narcotics Intelligence Technical Working Committee as a commitment in addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse.
A sum of RM2 million is also allocated for the implementation of programmes through the ‘One Stop Committee’ (OSC) Governance to Address Drugs and Substances Issues (MIDS) in Sarawak and RM500,000 for drug prevention education activities in Sarawak through the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM).
Over the last two years, AADK has successfully helped 1,750 drug addicts to seek treatment and rehabilitation services in the community through the AADK District Office and 244 people underwent treatment and rehabilitation at the Kuching Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN).
Of the total, 1,648 drug addicts are men and 102 women.
Also present at the meeting were Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and AADK director-general Sutekno Ahmad Belon.
