By: Fauzi Suhaimi

SEBERANG PERAI, 27 Mac 2022 – The organization of the National Anti-Drug Day (NADD) 2022 memorial program at the Penang State level has increased the cooperation and spirit of unity between all parties in combating the symptoms of drug addiction.

Director of the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA), Tuan Sutekno Ahmad Belon said, the program unites leaders and the people in carrying the same message that is to reduce drug addiction and improve recovery.

“This noble initiative is the best medium to remind us all that the drug problem must be addressed firmly and integrated so that the threat of drugs does not continue to invade our community entities to the point of destroying more individual minds and souls.”

“The involvement and commitment of all those involved in this program clearly shows the unity of Malaysians, especially the people of Penang as a Malaysian Family united in combating the drug issues which destroy the nation, religion and country,” he said in his NADD 2022 speech in the memorial program at the Penang State level. The program was held at Dewan Pintar, Taman Guar Perahu, Penanti, Seberang Perai, Penang, on Saturday.

Earlier, the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow officiated the program which was also attended by the Penang State Exco, Dr. Norlela Ariffin; Mayor, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Dato’ Azhar Arshad and Penang NADA Director, Elmariah Chung.

In the meantime, Tuan Sutekno added, the spirit of cooperation is able to combat the threat of country’s number one enemy regardless of cultural background, religion and political affiliation.

“We are connected in the diversity, and that we must make this unity as the mainstay of the collaborative partnership between leaders, government agencies, and the general public in confronting the drug problem,” he said.

Meanwhile, YAB Kon Yeow stated that the celebration was a demonstration of all parties’ willingness to taking the drug problem seriously.

The commitment was manifested through the setting of a 5 -Year Focus under the Strategi Penang Lawan Ancaman Dadah (PLAD) through the Penang NADA in collaboration with the State Government towards realizing the 2025 Controlled Drugs Goals.

In addition, he also expressed his appreciation in mobilizing various efforts to make the Mukim 21 Greening Initiative a success in the state.

At the ceremony, YAB Kon Yeow also presented certificates of appreciation to 50 people comprising Government Departments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Leaders, and launched the Penang Anti -Drug SQUAD Vest in an effort to help NADA in conveying information on drug abuse among the local community.

The ceremony was also involving the Penang State Exco and Penang State Assemblyman, Dr. Norlela Ariffin; Mayor, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Dato ’Azhar Arshad; Seberang Perai Tengah District Officer, Kamarul Haizal Koderat; AADK Prevention Division Director, Zainudin Abdullah and AADK Penang Director, Elmariah Chung.