Have drug education programmes in high-risk areas: Hajiji
Published on: Monday, May 20, 2024
Hajiji said the establishment of Puspen in Tawau was an effort to provide facilities and access to drug-related treatment and rehabilitation programmes for those in need.
THE State Government will continue to work with the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) to further strengthen efforts in combating drug abuse, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In line with KDN’s focus on national security and sovereignty, he said the State Government will also give full support to initiatives that can reduce the problem in the State.
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Therefore, he wants all relevant agencies such as the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the Sabah Youth Council (MBS), federal and state agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to work together to ensure drug prevention education programmes can be implemented, especially in high-risk areas.
“I am very concerned about the development plan for at-risk youth, especially in drug addiction. I am aware of the empowerment of public awareness programmes on drug abuse among youth.
“I believe MBS and its affiliated bodies are capable of being a protective factor for at-risk youth,” he said at the AADK with the Community Programme in conjunction with the 2024 Sabah Anti-Drug Day event in Tawau, on May 12.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk lr Shahelmey Yahya.
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Organised by KDN through AADK, the programme was aimed at increasing awareness and commitment in the entire community to working with the Government in dealing with drug problems, especially in Sabah.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said the State Government takes seriously the efforts to develop human capital in Sabah, in line with the commitment to human capital development which is one of the agendas in the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.
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“Human capital is an important asset in building the country’s future. However, problems related to drug abuse are often associated with the involvement of young people and youth.
“Therefore, situations like this need to be addressed because young people are important human capital who will lead the State in the future. Therefore it is important to ensure that our young people are competent, innovative, resilient and have integrity,” said Hajiji.
He said to ensure that youths are protected from the threat of drugs and social diversion, several efforts have been outlined such as the Mudadi Youth Pioneer Programme under the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) which aims to develop the talent and potential of youth as well as the development of entrepreneurship among at-risk youth.
“This initiative can indirectly help marginalised and at-risk youth to function in the community. I also see the initiative of AADK and MBS to make the Family Recovery Support Group successful, very good,” he said.
Earlier, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Tawau Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre Construction Project (PUSPEN) project at its site at Mile 36.
Hajiji said the establishment of Puspen in Tawau was an effort to provide facilities and access to drug-related treatment and rehabilitation programmes for those in need.
“Well done and congratulations to everyone involved in this effort. The new Puspen in the State was proposed in 2019 and it finally became a reality when it was successfully gazetted last year.
“Because this facility is only available in Papar, the journey between the West Coast and the East Coast of Sabah takes quite a bit of time.
“With this facility, it makes it easier for those around the East Coast to access comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation as offered in Puspen Papar,” he said.
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