MRT, the new treat and rehab services outside NADA facility

May 20, 2022

By: Izyan Liyana Mohd Darif

KAJANG, 20 May 2022 – Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) through National Antidrugs Agency (NADA) introduced Mobile Recovery Treatment (MRT) under the NADA Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Program here today.

Home Minister, Dato’ Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the new service, which promotes the concept of ‘AADK Kepada Anda’ intends to ensure that every individual involved in drug addiction receives proper treatment and rehabilitation.

Therefore, a new methodology is needed to ensure that the NADA MRT service remains relevant in light of current government policy, considering the changing trend of drug addiction.

MRT AADK — Dato’ Seri Hamzah (second from left) executes the NADA MRT Launch gimmick at NADA Headquarters in Kajang, Selangor. Dato ‘Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan (left) and Tuan Sutekno (second from right) were present to witness the event. NADA photo / MUHAMMAD RASHDAN MOHD ZAKARIA

“NADA MRT is designed to assist specialised groups that are unable to access AADK facilities for drug treatment and rehabilitation.”

“This (NADA MRT) service is performed outside of the NADA premises and will be executed by the NADA MRT Team in 14 State NADA offices across the country,” he said.

He said this at the NADA MRT Launching Ceremony at the NADA Headquarters, Kajang, Selangor.

Home Secretary, Dato ‘Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz; NADA Director General, Tuan Sutekno Ahmad Belon; NADA Deputy Director General (Management), Mrs. Chan Hong Jin and NADA Deputy Director General (Operations), Dato ‘Dr. Muhamad Sade Mohamad Amin attended the ceremony to make it a success.

28 MRT Teams Nationwide
Currently, NADA provides rehabilitation services through two channels: in-person treatment and rehabilitation, which requires clients or individuals to attend NADA facilities, either at the District NADA office or a designated Pusat Pemulihan Penagihan Narkotik (PUSPEN).

NADA services are also available online via the NADA Hotline. Referrals and advocacy are provided to clients with drug problems through various service channels.
Nonetheless, according to Tuan Sutekno, the channel is primarily used by the public to report drug addiction instances.

In this regard, NADA rehabilitation officers have proposed an initiative to open another channel to deliver drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation services known as NADA MRT, in recognition of those who have dropped out or have difficulty accessing rehabilitation services provided by NADA in situ or through the NADA Hotline.

“This new service channel is expected to enable access to those who have logistical, financial, or legal and regulatory obstacles in attending NADA facilities.”

“In order to implement the service, NADA has formed 28 MRT teams nationwide”.

“In accordance with that, a total of 110 NADA rehabilitation officers were appointed and selected based on attitude, skill, and knowledge in line with treatment and rehabilitation demands that must shift in line with changes in the target group’s profile and the types of drugs used,” he added.