KUALA LUMPUR: As Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt operations of many industries and government agencies, the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) remained steadfast in its duties to help those on the path to recovery.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said 47,863 clients received treatment and were rehabilitated this year, up till the end of August.
“This proves that rehabilitation services to individuals were unaffected during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In fact, the use of technology has been improved to ensure all clients have access to treatment.
“I hope all volunteer efforts in assisting clients to recover continue to be diversified with more creative and effective efforts,” he said in officiating the virtual District Drug Rehabilitation Committee Symposium and National NADA Recovery Day 2021 today.
Also present during the virtual event were NADA director general Sutekno Ahmad Belon and Home Ministry secretary general Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.
Hamzah also said the ministry is seeking RM10 million under Budget 2022.
He said the allocation was also to intensify activities and efforts to maintain the recovery of former clients across the country for the coming year.
He said the ministry has prepared a draft of the Drugs and Substance Abuse Act (Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation) to replace the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.
Before the Act is tabled in parliament, he said the ministry will hold engagement sessions to obtain more comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders, including non -governmental organisations.
This is to ensure the new Act will include a comprehensive and structured legal aspect to enable more drug and substance addicts and abusers to receive appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
Source: New Straits Times
