GEORGE TOWN: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) is looking to expand the Anjung Komuniti initiative nationwide in a bid to reduce high-risk areas for substance abuse.
Its director-general, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, said Penang was the first state to embark on the Anjung Komuniti initiative, with six statewide at present.
He said he had spoken to several state governments to have the initiative in their respective states.
"We have voiced our intention to have the Anjung Komuniti in some states, while for others, we are engaging with them.
"The states are supportive of the idea and we don't see any issues in expanding the Anjung Komuniti initiative to other states besides Penang," he said after attending the Jom Singgah @ Anjung Komuniti Sungai Ara here.
The Anjung Komuniti functions as a centre for activities and daily operations involving all strategic partners, leaders and the local community under the high-risk area mobilisation committee.
This is to harness the roles and responsibilities of various players and strengthen collaboration among all parties through the committee.
The initiative provides information on drug prevention activities and offers advisory services and advocacy referrals, as well as aims to enhance the sense of safety among local residents.
Additionally, it serves as a centre to provide treatment and recovery services in the community for those involved in substance abuse and their family members.
Ruslin said there was a need to expand this successful initiative to other states.
"The responsibility to address substance abuse is not solely that of Nada but the community, society, and government agencies. It is impossible for us to act alone.
"Establishing this facility in urban areas is not easy, and as such, Nada will be suggesting more joint programmes with the states government to tackle addiction and offer treatment options," he added.
For the record, from August 2023 to July 2024, 4,315 people have benefitted from the services offered by the Anjung Komuniti initiative through 638 programmes organised by Nada in Penang, in collaboration with strategic and smart partners.
Meanwhile, Ruslin said that Nada's Strategic Plan 2021-2025 had identified 155 high-risk areas across the country for substance abuse reduction initiatives.
"For this year, the initiative aims to address 117 such areas (75 per cent of the total).
"Through the cooperation of all parties, the initiative has shown positive results.
As of Aug 31, seven areas remained in the 'yellow' status.
"They include Kuala Kedah (Kota Setar), Batu Talam (Raub), Kuala Kuantan (Kuantan), Gelugor (Kuala Terengganu), Pangkalan Chepa (Kota Baru), Malim (Melaka), and Teluk Kalong (Kemaman).