By : International Unit

KAJANG, February 1, 2024 – The second workshop for the development of ASEAN cooperation projects for the Asean Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) was held on Thursday at National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) headquarters.

This workshop, which took place through teleconference, was hosted by Myanmar.

It was organized in accordance with the discussions and agreements reached during the 43rd ASOD Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur in 2022.

The main objective of this ASEAN Cooperation Project (ACP) workshop is to provide guidance and motivation to ASEAN member countries in implementing projects aimed at reducing the supply and demand for drugs in the region.

In addition to the ASEAN member countries, several Dialogue Partners of ASEAN, including South Korea, China, Australia, Russia, and Japan, also attended the workshop.

These Dialogue Partners are the main contributors of ASEAN funding for ASEAN cooperation projects.

One of the key purposes of this workshop is to enhance the understanding of the process and essential elements involved in the development and implementation of ASEAN Cooperation Project (ACP).

This included discussing the availability of financial resources from various sources to support ACP, the stages of the ACP cycle, and the results-based approach in ACP.

The Malaysian delegation, led by Dr. Saravanakumar from the Malaysian Department of Chemistry, together with Puan Rohaida binti Zakaria from the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division, actively participated in the workshop.

Additionally, the Principal Assistant Director (Prevention Program Development) of NADA, Zolkifli Mohd Dom, and the Principal Assistant Director (International), Mrs. Norkumala Abdul Rahman, were also present.

Representatives from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) of PDRM, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), and NADA were also in attendance.