HELPING SCHOOLS COMBAT DRUG ISSUES
National Anti-Drugs Agency to collaborate with schools nationwide
THE National AntiDrugs Agency (Nada) is ready to collaborate with schools which the police have identified as having drug-related issues, as part of efforts to combat drug abuse among the students.
Its director-general, Datuk Dr Abd Halim Mohd Hussin, said Nada would assist the schools through various methods to ensure they were free from the drug menace.
He said the agency was, at the moment, working with all secondary schools through a designated programme known as “Sayangi Hidup Elak Derita Selamanya (Shields)” and with primary schools through “Program Intelek Asuhan Rohani (Pintar)”.
“We have good collaboration with these schools. Each school has formed its own drug-prevention education programme as part of its curriculum.
“Nada has always been supportive, taking part in the programmes to ensure their success,” he said.
“From the 402 hotspot schools announced recently, we have identified several schools with serious issues which need extra attention. Rehabilitation programmes will be conducted for the schools,” he said after opening the Nanas Titigold prgramme at the Nada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation (CCRC) here today.
Abd Halim said 14 schools in the country had been given special training last year under a drug-fighting programme.
The number was increased to 50 schools this year.
“In combating the drug problem among students, we need the full cooperation of all parties, especially schools. Schools need not hide if any of their students have drug problems, as it will make it difficult for us to give the help the schools need,” he said.
“If there are students with drug addiction, we will help with the recovery process. Our presence in schools (is not) to change the system, but to improve the existing ones for the benefit of the students,” he said.