KUCHING: The International Recovery Symposium (IRS 2023) will be held on September 18-21 at Imperial Hotel here.
It will seek to drum home the significance of international collaboration and networking in addressing the challenges of drugs and substance abuse, as no country can deal with the global phenomenon alone.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the symposium will focus on the need for effective drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes that address the underlying causes of addiction and provide support for individuals in recovery and the role of evidence-based prevention programmes in reducing drug use and promoting healthy behaviour, especially among youths.
“Our country spends over half a billion ringgit on incarceration annually and more than RM200 million to arrest and accommodate drug users in state run narcotic rehabilitation centres.
“We need to make a systemic shift from incarceration to treatment. We must address stigma and use the inclusivity approach where no one is left behind.
“This demonstrates the Sarawak government’s commitment towards addressing drugs and substance abuse issues in the state,” she said.
The IRS 2023 is co-organised by the Ministry in collaboration with International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Malaysia Chapter; National Anti-drugs Agency Malaysia (AADK) Malaysia and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
The opening of the symposium will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
IRS 2023 is expected to be attended by over 800 participants from various countries including Malaysia.
Registration can be done through website www.recoverysymposium.com
