MELAKA: The recovery rate among clients of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) in Melaka rose to 87% in 2024, up from 85% in 2023, according to its state director Noor Azrimah Ahmad.
She said the figure was higher than the recovery rate targeted by AADK headquarters, which was set at 75 per cent.
She said the rise in the recovery rate was driven by several factors, including the effectiveness of the Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation Programme, as well as the clients' physical and psychological resilience, and strong support from their families and the community.
"With the cooperation of various parties, including the state government, the agency also regularly carries out programmes to reach out to the clients, helping them to foster the self-will to reintegrate into the community.
"Through the programme, we conduct engagement sessions with clients either one-on-one or in groups, which they are required to attend at the agency’s district office. The programme is also carried out within the community under the Program Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR)," she said last night.
She spoke to reporters after the Second Chance: Kita Bantu Kita programme with the programme’s clients, held in conjunction with the WRUR initiative for the Duyong state constituency.
The event was opened by state science, technology, innovation and digital communication chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan, which was also attended by Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem.
Elaborating, Noor Azrimah said the data shows that there are currently 1,400 AADK clients in the state who are still undergoing rehabilitation treatment.
She said most clients had a history of abusing synthetic drugs, particularly amphetamine-type stimulants such as methamphetamine and ecstasy, noting that the relapse rate last year stood at 40%.
"Therefore, families play a crucial role in supporting and helping clients stay away from drug abuse, while the community must also break the stigma against them by offering opportunities for reintegration," she added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Noor Helmy said the Second Chance: Kita Bantu Kita programme with clients would continue to be held in the constituency to ensure these individuals do not feel sidelined, while also providing support to help them break free from unhealthy activities.
"The WRUR is a starting point for us to reach out to this group, and I believe the programme has the potential to create a positive impact and bridge the gap between AADK clients and the community," he added. - Bernama
