The National Anti-Drug Agency has replaced staff and started disciplinary proceedings after 47 rehab clients tested positive for methamphetamine.
PUTRAJAYA: The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) has replaced several staff members and initiated disciplinary proceedings. This follows a report that 47 clients at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) in Serdang, Kedah, tested positive for methamphetamine.
AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh (pix) said the agency takes the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission’s (EAIC) findings seriously. He stated AADK will not compromise with any party found to have breached integrity or violated the law.
“Following the incident, we have taken immediate action by replacing the staff involved and have begun disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993,” he said in a statement.
Ruslin added that surprise inspections and urine tests are now being conducted at PUSPEN facilities nationwide. This is to ensure a drug-free rehabilitation environment.
He said AADK will also follow up on EAIC’s recommendations for improvement. The goal is to strengthen the regulatory system and standard operating procedures at all AADK facilities.
AADK will continue to work closely with EAIC to improve governance. This includes investigations into any complaints of misconduct among its staff.
The EAIC revealed the violation of instructions by officers at PUSPEN Serdang yesterday. This led to the 47 clients suspected of testing positive for drugs.
EAIC decided to refer its investigation results to the AADK Disciplinary Authority. It recommended punishment under the Public Officers regulations.
In addition, EAIC recommended implementing stricter regulations. This is to ensure no prohibited substances are brought into PUSPEN centres.