KUALA LUMPUR: The government is allocating RM230mil for the Health Ministry to upgrade its technology at drug-testing laboratories, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said there are currently 14 labs for drug testing but added that most of the equipment in these labs is outdated.
“This is about the law, especially since the drugs' content needs to be verified through tests, from the labs to the courts.
“Today's meeting decided that the Health Ministry will prepare a Cabinet paper to replace the lab (equipment) using the latest technology to test drugs.
“The technologies (we are purchasing) come from different countries that have tested many drugs.
“It is high time we upgraded ours,” Zahid said during a press conference on Tuesday (March 26) after chairing the first Cabinet Committee Meeting on Combating Drug Abuse for the year 2024.
At the same time, Ahmad Zahid said the meeting also discussed adopting a new communication approach in drug prevention and rehabilitation in the country.
He said the government decided to adopt a new “modus operandi” given the increase in drug addiction in Malaysia.
“Changes need to be made because the number of drug addicts is increasing, which means the demand (for drugs) is also high.
“The new modus operandi will look into targeted groups and other approaches.”
During the media conference, Ahmad Zahid also announced a new Prime Minister's Directive for 2024: The Machinery for Coordinating The Implementation of Policies To Combat Drug Addiction, replacing the old Prime Minister's directive from 2004.
