National Anti Dadah Agency strives to keep drugs out of workplace

By NIGEL EDGAR
nigeledgar@thestar.com.my

KUCHING: The National Anti Dadah Agency (AADK) hopes to create a better understanding on how to identify and tackle drug abuse in the workplace.
Sarawak AADK prevention unit head Mohd Nor Musa said the agency had organised seminars and various awareness programmes for agencies, corporate bodes and associations to ensure the effectiveness of its Tempat Kerja Bebas Dadah (Tekad) or Drug-free Workplace Programme.
“The Tekad programme aims to explain how to manage drug problems in the workplace including prevention, maintenance and activities.
“Employers or even employees can contact us if they suspect any drug activities at their workplace. Because it is not always right to just fire them, so we come up with this programme to help the addicts,” he told reporters after a seminar session with the Federation of School Bus Association Sarawak.
The seminar was participated by some 30 school bus drivers and operators, aimed at giving them insight on the negative effect of drug abuse. It was one out of the many organised for the first half of this year.
They were also given some ideas on how to detect drug abuse not only among members but also among their passengers who were mostly school students.
When asked on the number of drug abuse cases in the state, Musa said it was not at an alarming rate as it was still below 1% of the state’s population.
“So far, most that we apprehended were unemployed. That might be because many of them were laid off after their addiction was discovered.
“At the moment, there are 711 addicts under our supervision statewide who are on the road to recovery through AADK’s rehabilitation programmes. We will teach and educate them as well as help them leave the habit for good. At the same time, this would not put their career and livelihood at risk as they can still work or look for jobs while in rehab,” said Musa.
Commenting on recent reports of drug abuse among rural youngsters, Musa said it was still insignificant.
“We are investigating the reports. According to our policy, once a report has been received, we are required to take action within two weeks,” he said.
He pointed out that the possible reasons for drug abuse in the rural areas were because it was brought in by urbanites.
“Maybe some of the youngsters from the villages or rural areas went to the urban areas to find jobs. When they returned to their villages, they brought back their habit and influence other youngsters there,” said Musa.


sumber : thestar online /31 julai 2011