| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should enhance its initiatives in relaying information on the dangers of drugs to members of the public, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud said.
This includes strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to communicate the anti-drug message to youth and students, as they are regarded as valuable assets prone to succumbing to the influence of drugs, he added.
Underscoring these points during his work visit to the NCB Headquarters yesterday, the minister also iterated that education programmes on the dangers of drugs should be carried out for this particular group as part of an early-prevention initiative.
“Apart from using current information technology and apps as mediums to channel (such as anti-drug message), roadshows also need to be continuously carried out at schools and villages,” he said.
“At the same time government media bodies like Radio Television Brunei (RTB) need to enhance their broadcasting of visual promotions and make them more attractive, and in the process share messages on the danger of drugs.
“I was informed that the NCB is also joining the Awasi Anak Kitani programme along with the Information Department to increase awareness and knowledge on drug prevention, a programme that will see villagers and the NCB collaborating with each other.
“In relation to this, there needs to be increased collaboration with NGOs such as the National Anti-Drug Association (BASMIDA) from time to time to organise activities and preventive programmes related to drugs,” the minister added.
He highlighted that the NCB also needs to conduct studies on its existing programmes, including the treatment and rehabilitation programme for addicts under detention.
“Studies need to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and success of the programmes. Results from the studies will serve as a tool to improve and increase the success of the programmes.
“Best practices from other countries should be adopted to bring the best results,” said the minister.
“It is hoped that the treatment and rehabilitation programme will gain accreditation from experts and organisations concerned with drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation programmes.”