Cooperation of all is important to combat drugs: Hajiji

8 Mar 2024 • 9:16 AM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

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Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor wants the co-operation of all in combating drugs for the sake of the young, community’s wellbeing and nation’s prosperity.

He said their commitment and active involvement against drug abuse, substance abuse and social diversion is highly demanded and important to achieve the Controlled Drugs 2025 aspiration.

Controlled Drugs 2025 is a five-year goal set by the National Anti-Drug Agency (Nada).

Hajiji said its success requires cooperation and unity of action from all parties, especially the State and District Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD), political and community leaders, heads of departments, the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the police, local communities and NGOs.

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He was chairing the first State level MTMD meeting for this year at Menara Kinabalu.

Hajiji said MTMD was successfully implemented in 28 districts in 2023 including the appointment of 28 District Drug Rehabilitation Committee Chairmen (JKPD) and District Anti-Drug Volunteers (SKUAD) who are community mobilisers in helping AADK, especially in the Community Treatment and Rehabilitation Programme (RPDK) as well as Prevention and Public Awareness Programme.

He stressed that attendance at MTMD meetings is mandatory and the District MTMD Chairmen must ensure every head of department attends as scheduled.

Hajiji said this year two areas should be given focus to be greened from drug abuse, namely Merotai (Tawau) and Tuarid Taud (Keningau) with the Keningau District Officer and the President of the Tawau Municipal Council appointed as High Risk Area Coordinators (KBT) at the district level.

“I really hope the District Officer as Chairman of the District MTMD can work together towards the greening of their respective areas and give serious emphasis on efforts to maintain the greening achievement of the KBT.

While for other two areas, namely Penampang (Kota Kinabalu) and Balung (Tawau), the greening process will be carried out in 2025 so that the issue of drug addiction and social diversion in the State can be controlled.”

Also present were the State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr. Safar Untong, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Director General Sutekno Ahmad Belon and Sabah AADK Director Nani Sikin.

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