By: Media and Corporate Communication Unit
BAYAN LEPAS, October 8, 2024 – The efforts of the Penang State National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA), in collaboration with the Penang State Government, to establish Community Hubs in High-Risk Areas (HRAs) should be followed more.
NADA Director General, Dato’ Ruslin Jusoh, stated that this initiative serves as an alternative to realizing the agency’s efforts to reduce HRA prevalence. The Community Hub functions as an activity centre and operational base for all strategic partners, leaders, and local communities under the High-Risk Area Mobilizer Committee.
“The objective of establishing the Community Hub is to consolidate roles and responsibilities other than strengthening the collaboration among all parties involved through the committee.
“In addition, the Community Hub provides anti-drug information and drug prevention activities, as well as advisory and advocacy services, to increase the sense of security among the locals.
“Furthermore, the Community Hub also acts as a centre for providing community-based treatment and rehabilitation services to clients and their families in need,” he said in a statement after attending the Jom Singgah @ Community Hub programme in Sungai Ara here on Tuesday.
Dato’ Ruslin also noted that, to date, the Penang State NADA has established six Community Hubs: three in Seberang Perai Tengah District, and one each in Seberang Perai Utara, Southwest District, and Northeast District.
“In Seberang Perai Tengah District, there are the Guar Perahu Community Hub, Kuala Mengkuang Community Hub, and Bukit Teh Community Hub, while in Seberang Perai Utara District, there is the Bakau Tua Community Hub.
“In addition, there is the Sungai Ara Community Hub in the Southwest District, and the Desa Mawar Community Hub in the Northeast District,” he explained.
He added that, between August 2023 and July 2024, a total of 4,315 individuals received services through these Community Hubs, covering 638 programs organized by the Penang State NADA in collaboration with strategic and smart partners.
Also present were NADA Deputy Director General (Operations), Tuan Khairul Anwar Bachok; NADA Prevention Division Director, Zainudin Abdullah; NADA Treatment, Medication, and Rehabilitation Division Director, Siti Mariam Mursidan; 48 HRA District Officers, and the Penang State NADA Director.
