PASIR MAS, March 19 — The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) has introduced the Drug Screening and Assessment Centre (DAC) to provide a more holistic approach to drug treatment and recovery.
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the DAC, formerly known as a remand centre or lock-up, has been revamped to align with the recent amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 2024.
“The DAC will be the main referral centre for individuals detained on drug-related charges, focusing on comprehensive screenings and assessments,” he told reporters after his visit to the DAC here today.
The DAC will assess both the medical and psychosocial aspects of their drug use, with medical staff identifying the types of drugs and determining the appropriate treatment for each individual, he said.
The centre also offers locum placements for doctors and provides rehabilitation officers with specialised training using eight tools for assessment and screening, he added.
“This strategy accelerates treatment and recovery for detainees, eliminating the need to wait for pathology results, ensuring a quicker and more efficient process,” Ruslin said.
He said the DAC is designed with comfortable facilities that focus on recovery and prioritise human rights, ensuring detainees receive treatment in a humane setting.
“This transformation represents a significant step in AADK’s commitment to tackling drug addiction and providing the best services for the community,” he added.
— Bernama
