KUCHING: Officers from the Sri Aman District National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and those from other agencies on Sunday visited 15 recovering drug dependents and presented food baskets to them.
The home visits and food basket programme were organised by the Sri Aman District One-Stop Committee (OSC).
Sri Aman District Officer Mohd Asree Wee said the food baskets aimed to lighten the burden of recovering drug dependents affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The programme is incredibly meaningful since it lets them know that they are not alone in these trying times.
“When everyone cares for them, it reduces their stress and burden.
“The community must eliminate the stigma of avoiding the drug dependents who have repented to prevent them from falling back into the crime,” he said after officiating at the programme on Sunday (Aug 15).
Mohd Asree, who is also the chairman of the Sri Aman OSC Committee, said such programmes, particularly those which focused on the danger of drugs, should be held regularly to stop the problem from spreading further in the community.
A recipient receives food aid from an AADK representative. 
Earlier, Sri Aman District AADK Chief Officer, Maulana Mohin, in his welcoming speech, stated that the programme also educated its clients not to get involved with drugs besides providing them with mental support.
“Our presence is not to punish them. We are here to educate, prevent and ensure AADK clients in Sri Aman will be able to fully recover and receive assistance in terms of food and basic necessities,” he said.
Also present at the programme were Sri Aman IPD Police Station Chief ASP Kerry Dunstan Muda, Sarawak Public Communication Unit Officer (Ukas) Sri Aman Division Zaidil Ripin, Sarawak District Administrative Officer Sri Aman, Hamizan Yahya, and AADK Sri Aman staff.
