KUALA LUMPUR, June 26- Several world bodies recognise Malaysia’s drug addiction rehabilitation approach which has produced positive results, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said the world bodies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Programmme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as non-governmental organisations involved in anti-drug efforts had given Malaysia the recognition based on the transformation carried out and the success achieved.
Najib said Malaysia was also praised by the world bodies for being the only country giving full support to efforts undertaken in combating drug abuse and addiction.
“WHO, for instance, recognises and commends Malaysia’s ‘Cure and Care’ approach in the “Good Practices In Asia: Effective Paradigm Shifts Towards Improved National Response To Drugs & HIV/AIDS” Report issued early last year,” he said in his message in conjunction with the commemoration of International Anti-Drug Day 2013, here, today.
The theme this year is “Volunteerism Not A Choice, It Is A Responsibility”. International Anti-Drug Day falls on June 26 each year.
Najib said the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) had been proactive by taking value-added approaches in offering treatment and rehabilitation services in an open and voluntary manner in facing the increasingly challenging era of globalisation.
He said the agency’s service delivery had undergone transformation by providing the various latest facilities and services like the 1Malaysia Cure & Care Clinic, Cure & Care Service Centre, Caring Community House (CCH), Cure & Care Vocational Centre (CCVC) and Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC).
“The transformation which began in 2010 has had a positive impact with the number of clients who came voluntarily to the 11 1Malaysia Cure & Care Clinics reaching 29,498.
“The number of clients seeking services at the 52 Cure & Care Service Centres reached 575,443 by April 30 this year,” he noted.
The CCH, meanwhile, is a community activity centre managed fully by the local community and it also acts as an anti-drug information dissemination centre. With regard to the CCVC, it was developed to assist drug users and addicts to acquire skills training, job placement and career advancement.
“The AADK had made a quantum leap by carrying out transformation at the CCRC by restructuring the programmes to be in tune with the clients’ rehabilitation needs,” said Najib.
He said to support the government’s transformation effort of reducing the crime index, the agency’s Detection and Monitoring Division which was responsible for the individuals being monitored would ensure they come for treatment and rehabilitation.
“The government through the Home Ministry, particularly the AADK, will expand the services soon to meet society’s expectations and to ensure that people are free of the drug menace.”
Najib said drug addiction in the country would reach epidemic level if no stern action was taken to check the problem, and the main target was the younger generation – the nation’s backbone and hope for the future.
He therefore urged the people to renew their commitment and up their spirit to assist the government in freeing the country from the drug problem.
“Shouldering the responsibility entrusted will be more effective with the full support of all parties,” he said.
– BERNAMA
