UMS developing module to address, prevent drug abuse

KOTA KINABALU: A module on creating a healthy and happy family institution to combat drug and other substance abuse is being planned by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

UMS is now aggressively conducting research on the building of a happy family as a holistic approach towards addressing this issue in Sabah, said UMS Psychology and Education Faculty senior fellow Prof Dr Azizi Yahaya.

Azizi, who is also the project manager, said they had received a RM245,840 grant from the National Anti-Drug Agency.

He said the research focuses on various aspects including approaches to help drug addicts and substance abusers rehabilitate, plan their future, work on self development and their contributions to their families.

He said the research is also aimed at creating awareness, especially at hotspot areas, that drug addicts too can change and contribute to the community under supervision.

He hopes the project could address or prevent drug abuse.

He said this after a sharing and collaboration workshop with strategic partners at the UMS here, last Saturday.

The faculty’s research and innovation deputy dean Prof Dr Muhammad Idris Bullare @ Bahari who was the programme coordinator, also hopes a more holistic module would be created after this.

“We hope to see the module contribute towards community wellbeing, socio-economic stability, continuous national development and ultimately achieve a drug-free nation,” he said.

UMS vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor thanked the National Anti-Drug Agency for the grant, saying it was an acknowledgement towards UMS’ research teams and specialists.

He gave his assurance UMS would fully commit towards the creation of this module, with the hope that it will bring the impact needed to change and improve society.

This research, which started on Sept 1, 2021, is expected to be complete by March next year.