KUALA LUMPUR: Outreach programmes are carried out by National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) officers in locations without dedicated rehabilitation centres, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said this is more cost efficient, noting how these locations also usually record low drug-abuse rates.
“Here, officers will meet the target audience collectively, overcoming any logistical challenges,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Feb 10).
The Home Minister added that the construction of rehabilitation facilities was prioritised in areas with high drug-use cases, owing to financial constraints.
According to Saifuddin Nasution, this coincidentally comprises states near Malaysia’s land borders including Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
“These are the states with the highest figures based on our mapping exercises hence why they are prioritised. Alternatively, we have mobilisation squads to address areas without a fixed centre,” he said.
He was responding to a question by Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing) who asked about the ministry’s readiness to establish AADK community treatment centres in Mersing alongside increasing intervention and rehabilitation programmes.
To this, Saifuddin Nasution said there are currently 149 individuals currently being monitored in Mersing, noting how it only makes up 5% of the entire number of individuals being monitored in Johor last year.
“The district records a low drug abuse rate, according to international benchmarks. Some 44 consolidated operations have also been carried out last year, averaging between three to four operations each month,” he added.
