KUCHING: Strategic collaborations between the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the One Stop Committee (OSC) and other agencies are vital to combat drug addiction in the country, stressed Welfare, Community Welfare, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Such collaborations would also allow for perspectives from all relevant parties so that the problem could be eradicated more effectively, she added.
Fatimah said this at a press conference in her ministry’s meeting room at Baitul Makmur 2 complex on Wednesday (Oct 27).
She explained that OSC was established with agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Customs, AADK, Health Department, Education Department and others to ensure that the goal of eradicating drug addiction could be achieved successfully.
Fatimah pointed out that measures to restrict the supply of drugs and illicit substances through aggressive enforcement actions required the cooperation of parties such as the PDRM and the immigration Department to be effective.
“Furthermore, robust detection and prevention measures require proactive work measures,” she said.
Fatimah added that providing extensive access to treatment and rehabilitation to communities affected by drug and substance abuse were also vital.
“Drug addiction affects family life, the country’s economy as well as the safety and well -being of the public.
“Strategic collaborations at the national and state levels can address the issue more effectively,” she said.
