KOTA PADAWAN: Recognition in the form of medallions will continue to be awarded to clients of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to celebrate their achievement in recovering from drug and substance abuse.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said that the recognition is part of efforts to encourage recovery among clients and to motivate them to remain free from substance abuse.
“We understand that the journey towards recovery is full of challenges and is not an easy path.
“Therefore, the success achieved by our clients must be celebrated,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters after officiating the Hari Raya Aidilfitri ‘Majlis Langgar Meja’ event at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) at Jalan Puncak Borneo here today.
Fatimah said that four AADK clients who successfully maintained their recovery for two years were awarded medallions yesterday, involving two individuals from Kuching and one each from Samarahan and Serian.
“During the international convention held previously in Kuching, recognition was given to individuals who managed to sustain their recovery for more than two years, six years, eight years, and so forth.
“Thus, at the Sarawak level, this marks the first year such a programme is being implemented to strengthen the recognition system, so that clients feel their achievements are truly acknowledged,” she explained.
In addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse, Fatimah also emphasised the importance of an integrated approach involving enforcement, treatment, advocacy and community awareness.
“We cannot work by ourselves.
“We need the collective efforts of all parties as one community to tackle this issue, particularly through the establishment of the One-Stop Committee (OSC) Bureau, which works closely with agencies and local communities,” she said.
In addition to the awarding of medallions, she added that the effectiveness of efforts to combat drugs is also measured through statistics, such as the number of arrests and seizures of illicit substances.
“When we are able to stop it, we can protect more individuals, as reflected in the number of arrests and drug seizures,” she added.
Fatimah, who also chairperson of OSC, further stressed the crucial role of family support in helping clients through their recovery process, as demonstrated through the ‘Program Aidilfitri Dirai, Kasih Sayang Termetri’ organised by PUSPEN Kuching.
“For the clients at PUSPEN, family support means everything, and today we witnessed a strong manifestation of unwavering support from their families.
“This kind of support will greatly contribute to their recovery.
“This positive support and environment will play a vital role in their journey towards full recovery,” she said.
