BANDAR BAHARU: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) will have laboratories with the capability to detect synthetic drugs, including prohibited substances contained in electronic cigarettes (vapes).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the first two laboratories would be built at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen) in Kedah and Johor.
Saifuddin said under the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Act 2024, which was passed in August, AADK rehabilitation officers were also empowered to carry out preliminary tests for illicit substances.
"Previously, the tests were only carried out by a medical doctor, but following the amendment (to the Act), the duty can be carried out by rehabilitation officers under AADK.
"However, we will still have a medical doctor at Puspen. We are in the process of building test laboratories in Puspen, one in Johor and the other one in Kedah. That's the way forward, to have the laboratories in Puspen.
"We have the capability and our rehabilitation officers possess the expertise to detect these substances.
"Through the laboratories, all prohibited substances can be detected without any doubt, ensuring high levels of competency," he said in a press conference at SK Permatang Pasir here today after launching the national-level School Anti-Drug Campaign 2024 with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Saifuddin said the move was imperative to improve AADK's competency in dealing with synthetic drugs, including illicit substances found in vapes inhaled by school students.
"Synthetic drugs have emerged as a new threat. They are no longer conventional drugs. They come in various forms and names, and they are very dynamic," he said.
At the event today, Saifuddin said the objective was to mobilise and raise awareness among teachers, staff members and students about the danger of drug abuse.
Under the initiative, the Home Ministry and the Education Ministry had introduced the Junior Squad, which were volunteer teams tasked with spreading awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit substances.
The Junior Squads, made up of students, would work among their peers within the school environment.
Saifuddin said 26 schools, including both primary and secondary schools nationwide, would be roped in for the pilot project of the Junior Squad initiative, beginning in the 2025 academic year.