IPOH, Sept 14 (Bernama) — The Perak chapter of the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Drugs (PEMADAM) is developing a systematic drug abuse prevention module for schools, with district trainer training to begin this year before the programme is rolled out statewide from next year.
State Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the module, expected to be completed within one to two weeks, would provide a framework for continuous implementation, replacing previous one-off programmes.
“We want the programme to be implemented systematically and continuously, with each district having a schedule and target schools,” he told reporters after the launch of the ‘Aspirasi Murid Cemerlang Tanpa Dadah’ (ASCEND) and School Anti-Bullying Framework for Empowerment (SAFE) programmes at SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun here today.
He said potential trainers from district-level PEMADAM, including village heads and community leaders, would be identified and trained this year.
Mohd Azlan said the programme would be implemented from next year in collaboration with District Education Offices (PPD), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
He said the ASCEND programme, developed by SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun, was in line with PEMADAM’s focus on prevention and education, including equipping students to resist peer pressure and seek help when needed.
Mohd Azlan said the state government was also ready to mobilise NGOs and grassroots communities as school partners, while efforts to raise awareness on cyberbullying and digital literacy would be expanded through cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and PDRM.
— BERNAMA